At least 10 pro-government Afghan forces were killed in fierce overnight fighting after their checkpoint came under attack from Taliban fighters in northern Afghanistan, officials said Friday.

The attack, many of which work with overstretched security forces, came as violence surges across the country despite peace talks between the warring Taliban and Afghan government.

Insurgents attacked the checkpoint in Kunduz provincial council member Amruddin Wali confirmed the attack but said at least 15 gunmen were killed.

There was no immediate comment from the Taliban.

Source: NNA