KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan security forces repelled an overnight attack by Taliban on two districts in northern Kunduz province, killing at least 27 militants and injuring 15 others, the provincial police confirmed on Saturday.
Members of Afghan security forces take their positions during an ongoing clash between Taliban and Afghan forces in Mihtarlam, the capital of Laghman Province on May 24, 2021. (File photo: AFP)
Heavy fighting started when hundreds of Taliban militants armed with guns and heavy weapons stormed Khan Abad district, 25 km east of provincial capital Kunduz city and neighboring Ali Abad district, 15 km south of the city, the police said in a statement.
"The brave security forces repelled the militants from Ali Abad and efforts are underway to clear Khan Abad from the enemies," the statement said.
Sporadic clashes continued on Saturday morning in Khan Abad as the militants were using civilian properties as shields during the counter-attack, deputy district chief Qudratullah Safi told Xinhua.
"The militants tried to take control of Khan Abad as they advanced to the central areas of the district early Saturday when security forces were responding to the assailants," he said.
Taliban militants have attacked security forces and captured several suburban districts across Afghanistan in recent weeks.
