Fighting and exchange of fire between Taliban-linked militants and Afghan security force have left 12 suspected militants dead in Kandahar, the former stronghold of Taliban movement, said a local official Tuesday.

"The incident took place in Jalai district on Kandahar-Herat highway last night when the insurgents attempted to disrupt security in the area," Daud Ahmadi, spokesman for Kandahar governor told Xinhua.

One policeman was also wounded during the exchange of fire, he added.

Seven more suspected militants were killed in Nawzad district of the neighboring Helmand province on the same day, according to Afghan officials.

Taliban-linked insurgency has claimed the lives of more than 900 people including some 45 foreign soldiers over the past six months.

Source: Xinhua