Bloody clashes in Afghanistan, 15 militants and 5 military personnel killed

KABUL: At least 15 militants and five soldiers have been killed and dozens injured in a fierce clash between the Taliban and the army in Afghanistan's Balkh province.

According to Afghan media, more than two dozen Taliban fighters stormed a military check post in Balkh province, the Afghan army also showed strong resistance and the two exchanged fire for several hours.

Afghan army spokesman Mohammad Hanif Rezai claimed that 15 Taliban fighters had been killed and more than 10 wounded in the crossfire, while five personnel had also been killed.
On the other hand, the Taliban rejected the statement of the Afghan army spokesman, saying that 20 soldiers were killed and more than 10 were injured in the attack, while the Taliban suffered less casualties.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Balkh governor confirmed the deaths of more than 15 Afghan soldiers in the attack and demanded that the Taliban retreat, but that they would return, so more troops should be deployed in the province.

Meanwhile, there are reports that an interim agreement has been reached between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and another presidential candidate, Abdullah Abdullah, after which an end to the political crisis and peace can be expected.