Maroof Azar, the spokesman for the governor of Jawezjan, told the media that the Taliban stormed a checkpoint in the northern province in the early hours of 17 June, killing 12 Afghan security force members.

According to the spokesman, the militants also captured four security personnel during the pre-dawn raid, while five militants were killed in the fighting. The Afghan ministry of defense confirmed the raid and said six of its soldiers were among those killed.

But the Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid disputed the government's figures stating a higher toll. The militants also conducted another raid on an army outpost in the northern province of Kunduz. Aminullah Iddin, a member of the provincial council, said six soldiers were killed in the fighting that lasted about five hours. Army spokesman Hadi Jamal said four Taliban militants were also killed in the fighting. The militant group has not commented on that assault.

The latest attacks come as the government and Taliban agreed to hold their first high-level meeting in a long-awaited peace process in Qatar.

No date has been announced for the meeting, but it is expected to take place once the two sides complete an ongoing prisoner exchange.

The exchange of prisoners kicked off under a deal between the Taliban and the United States, which was signed in the Qatari capital, Doha, on February 29.

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Author: Abbiba Ivy Princewill