MAIMANA, Afghanistan, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- At least four militants have been killed and eight others injured as a clash erupted between government forces and Taliban outfit in Qaramkul district of Afghanistan's northern Faryab province on Monday, provincial police spokesman Abdul Karim Yurash said.

The clash, according to the official, flared up after Taliban insurgents attacked some security checkpoints in Yusuf Mirzai village early morning and police returned fire triggering gun battle forcing militants to flee after leaving four bodies behind.

Eight militants and two security personnel have been injured in the fighting, the official asserted.

Sporadic fighting has been continuing, the official said, adding the security forces would continue to chase the militants elsewhere in the district to ensure peace and security there.