Afghan officials say the Taliban have attacked checkpoints in the northern Faryab province, killing at least 22 Afghan forces.

Axar.az reports citing The Washington Post.

Mohammad Tahir Rahmani, head of provincial council, says the insurgents launched the attack late Saturday against checkpoints manned by police and pro-government militias, setting off a fierce gunbattle that lasted into Sunday morning. The army sent in reinforcements, who were among those killed.

He says another 20 Afghan forces were wounded in the attack.

The Taliban effectively control nearly half the country and launch near-daily attacks on Afghan security forces.