37 killed in Afghanistan violence

Kabul, June 21 (IANS) At least 20 Taliban militants and 17 security personnel were killed after clashes in two districts of Afghanistan on Thursday, according to officials.

In Ghazni province, 20 militants and three security personnel were killed after Taliban’s attempts to overrun Jaghato district were repulsed, Xinhua news reported quoting a government spokesman as saying.

The spokesman also said that 10 militants and four security personnel were injured in the fighting.

In Faryab province, 14 security personnel were killed as Taliban militants stormed Afghan forces security checkpoints.

"Taliban rebels launched multi-pronged offensives on the checkpoints of national army on a road in Khawja Sabzpush district in the wee hours of today, killing 14 soldiers and destroying their heavy artillery," said deputy to provincial council Sibghatullah Silab.

The terror outfit on Wednesday had attacked the Army checkpoints in Badghis province, killing 30 soldiers. Taliban militants also overran four checkpoints and took away some weapons, an official said.