At least three civilians were killed and five others wounded following fighting erupted between two irresponsible armed groups in northern Takhar province on Wednesday, provincial police spokesman Abdul Khalil Asir said Thursday.

"Two irresponsible armed groups started clashing with each other Wednesday night, in the Chahab district of the province and so far three civilians have been killed and five others injured," Asir told Xinhua.

Two armed men from both sides have also been killed and seven others wounded, the official added.

Security forces have been dispatched to the area to disarm the irresponsible groups in the district, Asir further said.