FAIZABAD, Afghanistan, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan security forces have regained control of villages from militants in the northern Badakhshan province, leaving at least 8 insurgents dead and 13 others injured, an official said Saturday.
"The strategic areas, including several villages in Tagab district, have been cleared of the Taliban insurgents in a tough cleanup operation, during which eight Taliban rebels have been killed and 13 others injured," Ghulam Hazrat Karimi, press officer of 20-Pamir Division in the northern region, told Xinhua.
The official also confirmed the death of one local policeman and injury of another, saying the mop-up operation was going on in Khorak and Dowabi areas along the border with Tagab district.
Badakhshan province has Faizabad as its capital, which is located 315 km northeast of Kabul.
Also on Saturday, Taliban militants attacked a security checkpoint in northern Kunduz province's Gultipa area. Police returned fire, leaving two attackers dead, officials said.
