KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- A total of eight people including three security personnel and five militants were killed as clash flared up between government forces and Taliban group in Qala-e-Zal district of the northern Kunduz province on Wednesday, an army spokesman in the northern region Abdul Khalil Khalili said.

The clash erupted in Aqtepa area of Qala-e-Zal district Wednesday morning after the Taliban fighters attacked security checkpoints which triggered gun battle, the official said, adding two more security personnel have been injured in the fighting.

Sporadic fighting has been continuing in the area, according to the official.

Taliban militants have stepped up activities against government interests elsewhere in the militancy-crippled Afghanistan.