KABUL - Dozens of Taliban insurgents attacked Yamgan district of north-eastern Badakhshan province early Saturday and have taken control of the district, say officials.

The attack took place when Taliban insurgents including foreigners stormed the district and started clashing with security forces early today, the officials said.

According to the military officials the security forces have tactically retreated from the district so as to prevent civilian casualties. This comes after clashes lasted several hours between security forces and insurgents.

Before this the Provincial Acting Governor, Shah Wali Adeeb said "the Taliban insurgents have surrounded the security forces in the district and clashes are ongoing."

He said he has called on central government to send in reinforcement troops to help the local security forces.

Local officials have said that so far there were no civilian nor military casualties in the attack.

The Taliban have not yet commented on the attack.

In the past few months, the insurgents have increased their attacks across the country and have taken to attacking the local security forces posts. (Tolonews)