In a gun battle with Afghan security forces in Helmand province on Thursday night, 16 Taliban fighters were killed and 13 others were wounded.
Toryalai Zeerak, the Marjah District Police Chief in Helmand, said the Taliban members were killed last night when they attempted to attack three Afghan security check posts.
An Afghan Local Police (ALP) officer also lost his life.
"16 Taliban members were killed and 13 others were wounded, and the ammunition of these Taliban fighters was seized by the Afghan security forces and only one local police officer was killed in the incident," Zeerak said
According to Helmand Police, Taliban attacks have increased lately. With elections in April, it would seem the Taliban's spring offensive may start sooner this year.