3 soldiers, 20 militants killed in Afghanistan clashes

Three soldiers and 20 militants were killed, as Afghan security forces repelled Taliban militant attacks in the country's northern Badakhshan province during Thursday night, an army source said on Friday, reported Xinhua.

"Militants armed with guns and heavy weapons stormed security checkpoints in Shuhada, Jurm and Wardoj districts at midnight on Thursday. The security forces efficiently responded to the attacks, evicting the militants and secured the areas," Abdul Raziq from Afghan army's 217 Pamir Corps told Xinhua.

There were also 10 militants and five soldiers wounded during the fighting in the mountainous region, he said.

Taliban militants, who ruled the country before being ousted in late 2001, renewed armed insurgency killing government troops as well as civilians.

They have frequently been attacking district offices, military camps, government installations and security checkpoints, while the Afghan troops respond with airstrikes on militant targets in the countryside.