Gun battle kills 14 in N. Afghanistan

A total of 14 people including 11 pro-government militia and three militants have been killed as a clash broke out in northern Afghanistan's Jawzjan province on Monday, district governor Alaf Shah Atae said Tuesday.

According to the official, the Taliban fighters launched multi-pronged offensives on security checkpoints in Faizabad district late Monday night, triggering fierce fighting which left 14 dead including 11 pro-government militia and three armed militants.

Baz Mohammad Khan, a pro-government militia commander, is also among those killed in the firefight, he said.

Eleven more pro-government militia and three insurgents have been injured in the fighting, he added.

However, the official said that the militants fled away and a cleanup operation has been continuing to ensure lasting peace in the restive district.

Taliban militants have not made comments on the report yet.