KABUL, June 10 (Xinhua) -- More than 50 Afghan security personnel have been killed over the past 24 hours as anti-government militants intensified activities amid government's peace efforts to encourage Taliban outfit for entering the peace dialogue.
In the latest wave of violent offensives, the militants stormed a security checkpoint in Arghandab district of the southern Kandahar province in the wee hours of Sunday, killing 13 police personnel, an official said on condition of anonymity.
Similarly, the Taliban fighters launched multi-pronged attacks on security checkpoints in Qala-e-Zal district of the northern Kunduz province Saturday morning, police said.
The attacks killed at least 20 pro-government forces, including local police personnel dead on the spot, and injuring six others, some in critical conditions, police spokesman in the restive Kunduz province Inamudin Rahmani has confirmed.
Militants also conducted a deadly offensive on the security forces checkpoint in Zawol area of Shindand district of western Herat province late Friday night, leaving 17 security personnel dead, Jilani Farhad spokesman for Herat police said Saturday.
On the other hand, Afghan Defense Ministry, in a statement released here, asserted that 28 insurgents have been killed and 36 others injured across the war-battered country over the past 24 hours.
Morevoer, clashes between Taliban and militants loyal to the Islamic State group in northern Faryab province have also claimed a few lives since Saturday, local officials said.
Afghan government announced a seven-day ceasefire on Thursday starting from June 12 and Taliban fighters also on Saturday announced a three-day ceasefire with Afghan government during Eidul Fitr, the second largest annual religious festival.
