KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Eight Afghan soldiers and seven Taliban militants were killed and 11 people wounded during clashes in the country's northern Kunduz province early Friday, local officials confirmed.

The clashes flared up after a Taliban militant group armed with guns and rocket launchers attacked on a security position in restive Imam Sahib district, triggering heavy clashes with the security forces, district chief Mahbubullah Sayeedi told Xinhua.

The district chief did not provide further details, saying the attack was repulsed by the security forces.

In the meantime, Mohammad Yousuf Ayubi, provincial council chief, told Xinhua that eight troops, including army and police, and seven militants were killed during the three-hour gunfight.

"Six troops and five militants were injured in the district in the northern part of the province, 250 km north of Kabul," he added.

The district bordering Tajikistan has been the scene of clashes in recent months.

Sporadic clashes and fighting occur in the countryside as Taliban militants have been attempting to take territory and consolidate their positions ahead of winter in the mountainous province.

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. Enditem

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