TALUQAN, Afghanistan, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Taliban militants' attempts to capture Chah Ab district in Afghanistan's northern Takhar province have been foiled and the militants, after suffering casualties, retreated from the area, provincial government spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hajari said.
According to the official, the Taliban insurgents launched massive offensive on Chah Ab district and after gaining ground set the district headquarters on fire.
The militants fled away leaving 10 dead bodies behind, and the security forces have been pursuing the militants to ensure lasting peace in the restive district.
Meanwhile, Abdul Khalil Asir, spokesman for Takhar police, confirmed the Taliban offensive with Xinhua, saying "The Taliban rebels launched massive offensives on Chah Ab district in the early hours of Friday and set on fire the district headquarters."
Asir also confirmed that reinforcement had arrived and fighting has been continuing in the main bazaar of Chah Ab district.
Confirming the report, army spokesman in the northern region Abdul Khalil Khalili told reporters that the Taliban militants also launched attacks on security checkpoints in Darqad and Baharak districts on Friday morning and both sides have suffered casualties.
The official, however, could not give an exact figure on the casualties of either side.
Taliban militants have not commented.
