Afghan conflict claims 16 lives including 6 security personnel in northern Kunduz province

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 people including six security personnel and 10 militants have been killed as clash erupted in Dasht-e-Archi district of the northern Kunduz province on Friday, district governor Nasrudin Nazari said.

"Taliban rebels stormed security checkpoints in Qarluq area of Dasht-e-Archi district today morning triggering heavy gun battle and resultantly left 16 people dead including six security personnel and 10 militants," Nazari told Xinhua.

The official also admitted that eight more security personnel had been injured in the fighting.

Taliban militants who have tightened the noose to overrun the strategically important Dasht-e-Archi district are yet to make comment.