TEHRAN – Authorities in northern Afghanistan say at least 12 securityposts have fallen into the hands of the Taliban, after the group’s attackon Takhar Province, local reports said.[image: Taliban in Control of 12 Security Posts in Northern Afghanistan]link>In the Taliban’s attack, the militants have taken control of large areas inthe northern city of Khwaja Ghar in Takhar Province, including 12 securityposts.

According to local media reports, intense clashes have taken place betweenthe Afghan security forces and the Taliban militants.

Sonnatollah Teymour, the spokesperson for Takhar Province, said theTaliban’s attack on Afghan forces in the province killed 16 militaryservicemen and injured 13 others.

This is while Taliban Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, in a statement, saidthe group has killed 30 Afghan security forces and injured dozens more inKhwaja Ghar.

In another development, security officials in Urozgan Province in southernAfghanistan said the city of Khas in the province is under the siege of theTaliban and faces the danger of collapse.

Afghan government forces have launched operations against the Taliban invarious provinces of the country as fighting has intensified in recent days.