7 killed in checkpoint clashes in Afghanistan's Kunduz

(Xinhua) -- Four soldiers and three militants were killed during armed clashes on the outskirts of Kunduz city, capital of Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province early Tuesday, authorities confirmed.

"The Taliban militants tried to assault Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) checkpoints in Zakhil Khamdan locality. The security forces members manning the checkpoints responded to the attackers. The fighting left four soldiers and three militants killed," Fawzia Jawad Yaftali from the provincial council told Xinhua.

There were also two soldiers and three militants wounded in the fighting. The attackers came on motorcycles from a nearby desert in the restive province, she said.

Enhamuddin Rahmani, a provincial police spokesman, when approached by Xinhua said details about the fighting will be shared with media later in the day. The Taliban militants have been trying to overrun small towns or districts across Afghanistan and consolidate their position during winter, launching hit-and-run ambushes against security forces.