TALUQAN, Afghanistan, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- A total of 11 pro-government local militiamen, known as local uprising fighters, were killed after they repelled an attack by militants on their position in Afghanistan's northern Takhar province, on early Tuesday, provincial police spokesman confirmed.

The clashes occurred after Taliban militants stormed a security checkpoint in Karimbay locality of Yangi Qala district at dawn on Tuesday, and the fighters deployed in the post responded to attackers, spokesman Khalil Asir told Xinhua.

Several militants were killed and wounded during the gun battle, but their number could not be exactly specified as the militants evacuated their casualties after the fighting.

Separately, at least seven Taliban militants were killed during sporadic clashes in six districts of Takhar as security forces were repelling attacks on security checkpoints Monday night, according to Asir.

Taliban militants, controlling parts of Takhar, use rugged terrains and mountains as hideouts and frequently launch hit-and-run attacks against security forces.

Violence has escalated in the previously peaceful northern region over a past few years as Afghan security forces push against the militants in the south and east regions. Enditem

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