Taliban guns down 5 personnel in northern Afghanistan; own soldier kills 2 more

An Afghan official says at least five members of the country's security forces were killed when the Taliban attacked a joint army and police base in northern Sari Pul province. Zabihullah Amani, the provincial governor's spokesman, says the Monday night attack in Sangcharak district also wounded seven other troops. There was no immediate comment from the Taliban. Amani says four insurgents were also killed in the ensuing clashes.

Earlier, around noon on Monday, an Afghan army officer shot and killed two of his fellow soldiers and later fled to join the Taliban.

Sayed Hashim Bayan, the provincial police chief's spokesman, says the shooter seized a Humvee along with some ammunition before making his getaway. The Taliban praised the soldier's actions and confirmed he joined their ranks in Dari Suf district.

(With inputs from agencies.)