At least 10 policemen were killed when Taliban fighters attacked an outpost in northern Afghanistan, officials said Wednesday, as fighting raged across the country despite ongoing talks between Washington and the militant group.

The multi-pronged assault took place in Khwaja Alwan district of Baghlan province early Tuesday, said the provincial police spokesman Ahmad Jawed Basharat. "The Taliban attacked the police checkpoint from several directions. The fighting lasted several hours. Ten policemen were martyred. The Taliban also suffered casualties," he told AFP.

The Taliban also ambushed the police forces sent to reinforce the checkpoint, he added. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi also confirmed the toll to Afghan broadcaster Tolonews. Dr. Muhibullah Muhib - the public health director of Baghlan - gave a slightly lower death toll, saying seven bodies and two wounded policemen were brought to a local hospital after the clash. The Taliban on Twitter later claimed responsibility for the assault, saying 17 policemen including a commander were killed during the onslaught.