TALUQAN, Afghanistan, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Two security personnel were killed and nine others sustained injuries as clashes erupted between security forces and Taliban militants in Khawja Ghar district of northern Takhar province on Saturday, police spokesman in the province Abdul Khalil Asir said.

The clashes, according to the official, flared up after a group of Taliban militants attacked a security checkpoint in Pul-e-Momin area of Khawja Ghar district early in the morning and security forces returned fire, leaving two security personnel dead and nine others injured.

Taliban militants also suffered casualties in the firefight, the official said, but he couldn't provide a figure.

Meanwhile, Taliban purported spokesman Zabihullah Majahid, in contact with media, claimed that five soldiers lost their lives and a few others were injured in the fighting.