Officials in four provinces of Afghanistan say a series of Taliban attacks on security checkpoints have killed at least 32 members of the Afghan security forces and pro-government militias.
The attacks took place in the northern provinces of Kunduz, Baghlan, and Takhar, and in the western province of Badghis on January 10.
In Kunduz, Qala-e Zal district chief Ahmad Fahim Qarluq said attacks by a large number of Taliban fighters in the early morning hours killed 10 soldiers and police and wounded 11.
Qarluq said 25 Taliban fighters were killed in those clashes.
In neighboring Baghlan and Takhar provinces, local Afghan officials said the Taliban killed 16 members of pro-government militias.
They said the militants also suffered heavy casualties.
Jamshid Shahabi, a spokesman for the governor of Badghis Province, said six members of the security forces were killed and 10 wounded in clashes at checkpoints and other security outposts.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attacks.
He said in a statement that Taliban fighters killed dozens of Afghan troops and had seized a large amount of ammunition and weapons.
The Taliban has ramped up attacks on security forces and government facilities in recent months, while Afghan and U.S. troops have increased operations against the militants' field commanders.
