At least three Taliban insurgents were killed in a clash with security forces in western Farah province early Thursday, local officials said.

In addition, two other insurgents were wounded.

A group of Taliban fighters tried to close Highway 517 just 5km from Farah city’s entrance at about 8:30am local time, a spokesman for the provincial police chief, Iqbal Bahir, said adding that security forces have brought the situation under control after a military operation.

“Three insurgents were killed, and two others were wounded but no casualties (were reported) among security forces,” he said.

TOLOnews reporter Samim Faramurz said residents claim the Taliban fighters had been wearing security forces’ uniforms and had set up an illegal check post to search vehicles.

The operation was launched after the provincial governor Abdul Basir Salangi and Provincial Police Chief Fazel Ahmad arrived in the area with security forces, Faramurz said.

According to him the clashes lasted for an hour before the Taliban retreated.

The Taliban has not yet commented over the clashes.