TALUQAN, Afghanistan, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least four Taliban militants were killed and five people wounded in fresh clashes in Afghanistan's northern province of Takhar, a local official said Thursday.

"Taliban militants stormed security checkpoints guarding by pro-government tribal militias, known as local uprising fighters, in Zarkamar area of Khwaja Ghar district, triggering a gunfight lasting for hours at mid-day," district chief Mohammad Omar told Xinhua.

Two local uprising fighters and three militants were also wounded during the engagement, he said.

The province has been the scene of heavy clashes between Taliban and security forces within the past months.

Taliban militants, who ruled the country before being ousted in late 2001, renewed armed insurgency, killing government troops as well as civilians.

They have intensified armed attacks against security forces while media reports suggested that significant progress had been made during recent negotiation between a U.S. delegation and Taliban representatives outside of the country.