Attacks on checkpoint and military outpost come because the two sides inch towards peace negotiations.
Taliban fighters have killed a minimum of 18 Afghan security personnel in two attacks on checkpoints within the north, officials said on Wednesday, the newest violence beforehand of expected peace talks.
In one predawn raid, fighters killed 12 Afghan private security force members once they stormed a checkpoint in Jowzjan province, Maroof Azar, a spokesman to the governor, was quoted as saying by the AFP press agency.
He said four security personnel were captured, while five Taliban fighters were killed within the fighting.
The defense ministry confirmed the attack and said six of its soldiers were among the dead. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, gave a better toll.
Separately, Taliban fighters were blamed for a raid on a military outpost in Kunduz.
Six soldiers were killed in fighting that lasted about five hours, said Aminullah Uddin, a member of the provincial council.
Army spokesman Hadi Jamal confirmed the attack, saying four Taliban fighters were also killed.
The Taliban has not commented thereon raid.
The Afghan government has said that in recent weeks, some 422 Afghan troops are killed or wounded across the country in additional than 220 Taliban attacks.
The Taliban says it's committed to an agreement it signed with us in February. The deal provides for the withdrawal of all international troops remaining within the country and is meant to pave the way for peace talks between the Taliban and therefore the US-backed government in Kabul.
The latest bloodshed comes because the armed group and therefore the government inch closer towards potential peace negotiations. The much-delayed talks aimed toward ending the conflict are expected to start within the Qatari capital, Doha, once the 2 sides complete an ongoing prisoner swap, which has accelerated after a quick ceasefire last month.
Officials claim the Taliban has stepped up attacks in recent days, although there has been an overall drop by violence across the country since the ceasefire ended.
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