QALA-E-NAW, Afghanistan, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Eight Afghan soldiers and eight militants were killed during clashes at an army checkpoint in western Badghis province overnight as daily violence and clashes have been continuing in the country, a district chief said Tuesday.

"Taliban militants stormed a joint security checkpoint on outskirts of Qadis district Monday night, leading to heavy clashes lasting for hours. Five national army and three local army personnel were martyred during the fighting," district chief Abdullah Mohammadi told Xinhua.

Two soldiers and seven militants were wounded during the clashes. The bodies and injured soldiers were shifted to an army camp in the district.

The official said that a unit of national army and district police arrived at the area early Tuesday, and carried out a search operation looking for the attackers who fled the scene.

The mountainous province has been the scene of fighting between Taliban militants and security forces since early this year.

Taliban militants use rugged terrains and mountains as hideouts and frequently launch hit-and-run attacks against security forces.

Militancy and counter-militancy traditionally get momentum in spring and summer commonly known as fighting season in Afghanistan. Enditem

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