KABUL, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Heavy clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban militants in Afghan northern province of Baghlan left 17 people dead including 15 rebels Tuesday, provincial police chief Abdul Rahman Syedkhili said.

    "The clash flared up in Kokchinar and surrounding villages in the wee hours of Tuesday, during which 15 insurgents were killed and 13 others were wounded," Syedkhili told Xinhua.

    Two police were also killed in the gun battle, he added.

    Meantime, Abdul Khalil Narmgoi the director of hospital in Baghlan province said that bodies of two security personnel had been taken to hospital.

    Baghlan, a relatively peaceful province, has been the scene of increasing Taliban activities over the past several months.