KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- Militants loyal to the Taliban group have gained ground following inflicting casualties on security forces in the restive northern Kunduz province, head of Provincial Council Mohammad Yusuf Ayubi said Saturday.

"The Taliban rebels after two days of fierce fighting and inflicting casualties on security forces have gained in Dasht-e-Archi of Kunduz province over the past two days," Ayubi told Xinhua.

A resident of Dasht-e-Archi district who refused to be named confirmed that the militants were roaming in some 20 villages in Dasht-e-Archi district following government forces retreated from the area.

In the meantime, Zabihullah Majahid who claimed to speak for the Taliban outfit in contact with media confirmed the fighting, saying that the insurgent group after storming military base in Qarluq area have gained ground in Dasht-e-Archi district.

Nevertheless, police spokesman in Kunduz province Inamudin Rahimi told Xinhua that fighting in the area has been confirmed and stated that cleanup operations would be launched soon to ensure security there.