Dozens of people were killed as clash between security forces and Taliban militants intensified in Helmand province of Afghanistan, provincial governor Mirza Khan Rahimi said on Saturday.
"Dozens of people were killed and several others were injured from both sides as clash between government forces and Taliban rebels intensified in Sangin district over the past couple of days," Xinhua quoted Rahimi as saying.
However, the governor did not state the exact figure of those killed.
Taliban militants have confirmed the attacks.
Helmand, which is notorious for growing poppy, has been the scene of Taliban-led militancy over the past couple of years.