Afghan forces kill 12 militants, Taliban-linked blast wounds 7

Afghan conflicts claimed the lives of 12 suspected Taliban militants in the eastern Kunar province, while Taliban-linked bomb blast wounded seven persons in the northern Baghlan province on Monday, officials said.
Hundreds of Taliban insurgents launched massive offensive against security checkpoints in Dangam district of Kunar province early on Monday and security personnel retaliated triggering gun battle.
"Taliban militants launched massive offensive against security checkpoints in Dangam district, Kunar province early Monday morning and security forces retaliated killing 12 rebels and injuring 22 others," Kunar provincial police chief Abdul Habib Sayedkhili told local media.
He said the security forces have surrounded the militants and gun battle is continuing between the two sides, adding that the security forces have been operating to either kill or capture the insurgents.
Meanwhile, Taliban militants in an online statement confirmed the clash in Dangam district, claiming that the militants kicked off the attack on Monday morning and so far three checkpoints have been captured and five security personnel have been killed.
The Taliban statement said the clash is still continuing in the area.
In another violent incident, a motorbike bomb blast injured seven persons including four civilians in the northern Baghlan province on Monday.
"The terrorists planted explosive device on a motorbike and detonated it by remote controller next to the office of district governor in Dahnai Ghori district, Baghlan province at noon time injuring seven people including four civilians," district governor Khanzada Mazlomyar told Xinhua.
Deputy to district police chief is also among those sustained injuries in the blast, he added.
The official blamed the attack on Taliban militants. However, the armed outfit fighting the government and are largely relying on roadside and suicide bombings is yet to claim responsibility.