FAIZABAD, Afghanistan, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The security forces have recaptured parts of Arghanchkhaw district in Afghanistan's northern Badakhshan province, forcing the armed militants to flee, army spokesman Mohammad Hanif Rezai said Sunday.

Taliban militants, following fierce fighting, overrun the strategically important Arghanchkhaw district on Saturday, posing threats to provincial capital Faizabad city.

However, Rezai said the fall of Arghanchkhaw district to the Taliban was a "tactical retreat," saying the security forces retreated to avoid civilian casualties and launched counter-attack on Saturday and have recaptured major parts of the district.

The official also said the militants would soon be wiped out and law and order would be restored to the area.

However, Taliban outfit denied the claim, insisting the militants are in the control of the district.

Fighting often gets momentum with the herald of spring commonly known as the fighting season in Afghanistan.