Three die in armed clash with Taliban in Afghanistan

At least three members of pro-government local militia were killed and two others injured after Taliban laid an ambush attack in northern Afghan province of Badakhshan Friday night, police said.

"The incident occurred in Keshoo locality of Darayim district when a group of pro-government local uprising fighters were travelling to neighbouring Tashkan district, provincial police spokesman said.

He also said on Saturday that the gunfight triggered by the ambush attack also killed and wounded several militants, reports Xinhua.

The group was travelling as reinforcing to support security forces and local uprising fighters in Tashkan which was seized by Taliban militants on Thursday.

The mountainous province has been the scene of heavy clashes within the past months.

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

They have intensified armed attacks against security forces across the country since April 25 when the Taliban's so-called yearly rebel offensive started.