TALUQAN, Afghanistan, May 23 (Xinhua) -- At least seven militants loyal to the Taliban group have been killed and three others wounded, following a fierce clash erupted in Afghanistan's northern province of Takhar on Thursday, a local official said.

A group of militants launched massive attacks on a local police checkpoint in the turbulent Khawja Ghar district at about 7:00 a.m. local time and police returned fire, leaving seven fighters dead and three others wounded, district governor Mohammad Omar said.

Three local policemen have also been wounded, the official said.

According to the official, the militants have fled away. However, locals say that sporadic fighting has been continuing.

Taliban militants who have intensified activities since launching their so-called annual spring offensive on April 12, are yet to make comment on the report.