HERAT, Afghanistan, June 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 45 Afghan security forces and 16 militants were killed after Taliban militants attacked security checkpoints in two western Afghan provinces overnight, authorities said Wednesday.
In one attack, 30 Afghan army soldiers were killed after militants stormed two security checkpoints in Bala Murghab district, western Badghis province, provincial governor Abdul Qhafoor Malikzai told Xinhua.
The governor added that 16 Taliban militants were also killed and more than 15 militants were wounded during the fierce clashes.
The security posts were overran by the militants and those among the injured were a Taliban shadow provincial governor, the governor confirmed.
In neighboring Farah province, at least 15 policemen were killed in two similar attacks in Juwayn and Farah Road districts, provincial sources confirmed.
No official of Afghan defense ministry was immediately available to make comments.
The Afghan security forces' casualties have risen since the beginning of 2015 when Afghan soldiers and police assumed full responsibilities of security from the U.S. and NATO troops.
The clashes came as a temporary unilateral ceasefire with Taliban militants is on effect since June 12 which is expected to end before the end of the month.
