Kabul, June 2 (RHC)-- A series of violent clashes between Afghan police and Taliban militants have claimed the lives of at least 13 people in northern Afghanistan, local authorities say. The casualties caused after a group of heavily armed Taliban militants stormed a police outpost in northern Samangan Province.

Khairullah Anosh, the provincial governor, said during a press briefing that at least five Afghan police officers and eight Taliban militants had been killed in the ensuing fighting. He also noted that the fierce clashes started on late Saturday and lasted until 2 a.m. local time Sunday night.

Meanwhile, Taliban militant group spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has claimed that at least six police officers were killed as militants seized the post in the trouble region.

However, Afghan authorities say the police have repelled the militant attack by pushing back the Taliban in the area.