KABUL - Afghan security forces have rebuffed a coordinated attack of Taliban militants on Barg-e-Matal District of eastern Nooristan province, Ministry of Defense (MoD) and the province’s governor said on Saturday.

A statement released by MoD states that group of militants launched a coordinated attack on security posts in Barg-e-Matal District around 05:00 am, adding that security forces responded to the assault leaving several attackers killed and wounded.

MoD statement does not contain specific number of the casualties suffered by Taliban but Hafiz Abdul Qayoum who is the governor of Nooristan says that 30 attackers were killed.

He said some of the dead bodies were left behind by the attackers.

He confirmed that three Afghan National Army soldiers embraced martyrdom and six others sustained injuries in the gun battle.

Hafiz Abdul Qayoum said that the area is under full control of the security forces and Taliban have escaped.

Six civilians have also sustained injuries in the clash. Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack but rejects report of heavy casualties. (KP)