At least 73 Taliban and four policemen have been killed in a fierce clash in southeastern Paktika province, an official claimed on Saturday, Pajhwok  reported.

The insurgents claimed overrunning Khoshamand district as a result of the overnight firefight.

Police spokesman Shah Mohammad Arian told Pajhwok Afghan News hundreds of militants stormed the district centre from different directions late Friday night.

He said 73 militants were killed in an ensuing air-and-ground operation by the security forces. The bodies of 50 fighters were still lying at the site, he added.

Four policemen were also killed, he said, adding the rebel attack was repulsed.

But Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban’s spokesman, claimed Khoshamand district was under insurgent control.

A resident of the area, wishing anonymity, confirmed the firefight. However, he was unaware of casualties.