At least 125 Afghan security personnel have joined the Taliban militant group after three days of fighting in Badakhshan province.
"After three days of fierce fighting between the government forces and Taliban rebels for the control of Tirgaran valley, 125 police personnel joined Taliban on Saturday," a provincial official told Xinhua news agency.
After the surrender of the police personnel, Taliban took control of the Tirgaran valley.
The official said 20 Taliban militants and 10 security personnel were killed during the fight.