Taliban militants, in attempt to influence northern Afghanistan, ambushed police forces in the relatively peaceful Baghlan province when police returned fire killed four insurgents on the spot Wednesday, provincial governor Hajji Akbar Barikzai said, Xinhua reported.
"In response to Taliban attack, Afghan security forces chased the militants and launched a cleanup operation in Magal village killing four rebels,"Barikzai told Xinhua.
The governor added that the operation would continue against Taliban elements in the area to ensure durable stability there.
It is the first time that the insurgents have penetrated in Baghlan province since their collapse in late 2001 while the militia has begun anti-government activities in the neighboring Kunduz province some months ago.
Taliban militants have vowed to speed up activities this year in Afghanistan.