NILI, Afghanistan, July 12 (Xinhua) -- A total of 16 people including 12 militants and four policemen have been killed as clash erupted in Pato district of the relatively peaceful central Daikundi province in Afghanistan on Sunday, deputy to provincial police chief Naqibullah Malistani said.
A group of Taliban militants, according to the official, stormed security checkpoints in Tamzan area of Pato district early Sunday morning, triggering heavy battle and forcing the militants to flee after leaving 12 bodies behind.
Four policemen have been killed and another injured in the fighting, the official said.
Backed by fighting planes the security forces would continue to chase the militants in the area, the official added.
Taliban militants have yet to make comment.
