Gun battle leaves 9 militants dead in N. Afghanistan

MAIMANA, Afghanistan, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least nine militants have been killed and three others injured as clash broke out in Dawlat Abad district of Afghanistan's northern Faryab province on Wednesday, spokesman for police in the restive province, Abdul Karim Yurash said Thursday.

The clash, according to the police spokesman, flared up after Taliban militants stormed some security checkpoints in Pul-e-Bazaar Qala area of Dawlat Abad district on Wednesday afternoon and police returned fire triggering gun battle.

According to Yurash, nine militants have been killed in the clash and a few more sustained injuries.

The official also said one security personnel was killed and two others injured.

Taliban militants have not commented.