The security forces have been able to regain control of Want-Waygal district of eastern Nuristan province – hours after the Taliban captured the district following a massive attack.

The district collapsed early Friday into the hands of the Taliban following the group's attack two days ago, which led to heavy clashes between the forces and militants.

Initially, the security forces tactically retreated from the district but later launched an operation which helped retake the district, said Mohammad Nomand Asifi, spokesman of Afghan National Army (ANA) 203 Corps.

According to the MPs from Nuristan, the Taliban after storming the district set dozens of civilian homes on fire.

There were casualties on both sides – Taliban and security forces –, provincial police chief Khalilullah Ziai confirmed, without providing an exact figure.

This year's fighting season has seen a sharp spike in insurgent activity on a number of fronts – especially that of armed conflicts in the once secure northern areas of Afghanistan.

Currently three other provinces are experiencing fierce fighting between Afghan Special Forces and the Taliban. These are Baghlan, Kunduz and Takhar.