FAIZABAD, Afghanistan, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) — Clashes erupted in Yamgan district of Badakhshan province with Faizabad as its capital 315 km northeast of Kabul on Wednesday and both sides suffered casualties, head of provincial council Abdullah Naji Nazari said.

“Taliban militants’ attempts to gain ground and capture Yamgan district on Wednesday morning triggered gun battle and both sides suffered casualties,” Nazari told Xinhua.

Nazari also warned that the district might collapse if the central government fails to send reinforcement.

Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid, who claims to speak for the Taliban outfit in contact with media, confirmed the clashes in Yamgan district and capturing grounds near the district headquarters, a claim rebuffed by the official as baseless.