MAIMANA, Afghanistan, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have repulsed Taliban attempts to overrun Khawja Sabzposh district in the northern Faryab province, police said Monday.

"A group of Taliban militants launched multi-pronged attacks on security checkpoints in Khawja Sabzposh district late Sunday night, triggering heavy battle which lasted until 4:00 a.m. local time Monday and the militants after suffering casualties fled away," provincial police spokesman Abdul Karim Yurush told Xinhua.

According to the official, six attacking militants were killed and over two dozen others injured during the fire exchange that lasted for five hours.

On the other hand, Taliban purported spokesman Zabihullah Majahid, in contact with media outlets, has confirmed the conflict and said the militant group has also inflicted casualties to government forces, besides capturing two security checkpoints.

Afghan militancy and counter-militancy have increased since the launch of Taliban's annual offensive on April 25.