<p>QALAT/ KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): At least 42 militants and five security forces have been killed during clashes and an airstrike in southern Zabul and northern Kunduz provinces, officials said on Sunday.</p>
<p>Security officials in Zabul said at least 27 <a href="/en/taliban" class="glossify-link">Taliban</a> insurgents were killed as a a result of airstrikes by the Afghan Air Force in Shahr-i-Safa and Shah Joi districts.</p>
<p>Police spokesman Farhad Shinwari told Pajhwok Afghan News that the airstrikes took place after the militants tried to storm security check-posts.</p>
<p>In Kunduz, two Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers and three policemen were killed in a coordinated militant attack on a joint security base in Qala-i-Zal district.</p>
<p>The district’s administrative chief, Qayyum Qarloq, said 15 militants were killed and 17 others wounded in a clash.</p>
<p>Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the fighters captured a check-post in the district and killed 10 security personnel.</p>
<p>sa/mud</p>
