MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- An Afghan national intelligence agency officer and five Taliban militants were killed during clashes in Afghanistan's northern Balkh province overnight, a local source said Friday.

"The incident happened Thursday midnight in the Chamtal district, where the pro-government forces clashed with the Taliban insurgents," Hanif Rezai, spokesman of army Corps 209 Shaheen based in the region, told Xinhua.

The source also confirmed the death of Karim Akhtari, deputy district chief of national intelligence agency in the nearly two-hour conflict.

Two army soldiers and three militants were also wounded, the source added.

Violence has escalated in the previously peaceful northern region over the past few years as Afghan security forces push against the militants in the south and east regions.