24 killed after Taliban militants attack pro-government militias in N. Afghanistan

PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Up to 24 pro-government militiamen were confirmed dead as anti-government Taliban armed militants stormed the checkpoints of pro-government militiamen in Nahrin district of Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province on Saturday, district governor Fazludin Muradi said.

"Taliban rebels launched massive offensives on the checkpoints of pro-government militias in Nahrin district in the wee hours of today, leaving 24 persons and injuring nine others," Muradi told Xinhua.

Without providing more details, the official said that the investigation had been initiated.

Taliban militants who have intensified activities over the past couple of months have yet to make comment on the situation.