The Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan has confirmed that heavy clashes are underway in Bala Murghab district of Badghis province in northeast of Afghanistan.

According to a statement released by Ministry of Defense, the Taliban militants launched indiscriminate attacks on Bala Murghab district at around 12:30am local time on Thursday.

The statement further added that the attacks were mainly focused in residential areas, forcing the armed forces to make tactical retreat in a bid to prevent civilian casualties.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed that heavy clashes are underway in the area and additional forces have been deployed to support the ground forces while the air forces have also carried out airstrikes to suppress the militants.

Unconfirmed reports suggest at least 13 Afghan soldiers have lost their lives during the clashes and more than 20 others have sustained injuries.

In the meantime, the Taliban group has claimed that five security outposts have been captured, 12 soldiers have been killed, and 21 others have surrendered to Taliban fighters.