In Afghanistan, six security personnel and eight Taliban militants were killed in latest incidents of violence in northern province of Kunduz. Taliban militants attacked a unit of private security guards in Chardarah district last night, killing four guards and injuring another. The district governor said the guards were providing security for a bridge construction project, adding that a Taliban fighter was also killed in the firefight. Two militants including a district-level commander were killed in an operation jointly conducted by Afghan and foreign forces in Sarakbala area of the same district. The provincial police chief said two pro-government militia fighters were also killed in the operation. He said five militants including two commanders were killed in a firefight with Afghan and international forces in Ali Abad district. The militants have become increasingly powerful in northern and western regions, which were considered peaceful till last year.<br/>