KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, May 4 (Xinhua) -- About three police officers and 14 militants were killed in checkpoint clashes in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar on Saturday, provincial police chief said.

A heavily damaged vehicle is seen following the clashes between Taliban militants after an armed assault at a border police post in Kandahar, Afghanistan on January 25, 2016. (File Photo: VCG)

"The clashes started at early hours of the day after Taliban stormed Boldak Nika police security checkpoint in Spin Boldak district, southern of provincial capital Kandahar city. And the exchange of fire lasted for four hours, leaving the casualties," Gen. Tadeen Khan told Xinhua.

Four police personnel and seven Taliban militants were also wounded during the fighting, he added.

Security situation has been improving in Kandahar, the former stronghold of Taliban, over the last months, as security forces have conducted search and cordon operations across the province. But the militants attack government interests in the province from time to time.