SARI PUL, Afghanistan, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Up to seven militants and one security personnel were killed in fighting between Taliban and Afghan forces in the northern Sari Pul province on Tuesday, spokesman for provincial governor, Zabihullah Amani said.

Taliban fighters, according to the official, launched massive offensives on several security checkpoints in Sayad and Sangcharak districts Tuesday morning and security forces retaliated, forcing militants to flee after suffering casualties.

Amani also added that 12 more insurgents and four local police personnel were injured.

The security forces would continue to target the insurgents elsewhere in the restive province, he said.

Taliban militants are yet to make comments on the report.?