LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Over 40 Taliban insurgents and four soldiers were killed in intense clashes in Gereshk district of southern Afghan province of Helmand, authorities said Friday.
The clashes started late Thursday after Taliban attacked security posts in separate locations by car bombs and motorcycle bombs, but security forces fought back the attackers, killing over 40 attackers as of Friday afternoon, the provincial government said in a statement.
On early Friday, four gunmen seized a five-story building in the district's bazaar, triggering gun battle while sporadic clashes continued till late Friday afternoon.
"Afghan commandos killed two armed men in money exchange market building at midday and efforts are underway to kill or capture remaining militants," the statement reads.
The shops in the targeted building were closed when the attack occurred as Friday is weekly off day in the country.
"The brave soldiers of Afghan army and police have foiled Taliban vicious plan to capture control of Gereshk and block the main Kandahar-Herat roadway," the statement said, adding that the road was closed down for hours but it reopened for traffic later Friday.
At least four Afghan soldiers were killed and five others wounded on Thursday night during clashes in Yakhchal neighborhood in the key district, which is located in the north of provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, 555 km south of Kabul.
Dozens of militants were also wounded during fightings in Gereshk and surrounding areas, according to the statement.
Helmand is notorious for poppy growing and known as a Taliban stronghold.
The Taliban militants have been on the rampage since April when they launched a so-called annual rebel offensive in different places in Afghanistan, including the capital of Kabul, killing and injuring hundreds.
