Afghan officials have blamed the Taliban for attacking their security checkpoints in northern Sari Pul province, leaving at least seven members of their forces dead.
The insurgents also abducted two members of the force and left five wounded, officials said, adding that four Taliban fighters were killed in the gun battle.
The troops were in charge of providing security for fuel wells in the area.
The Taliban is yet to claim responsibility for Sunday's attacks.
Israel, Lebanon sign framework peace deal after US-mediated talks
Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement in Washington on Friday following several days of talks to secure an end to fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Rescuers comb Venezuelan quake rubble, thousands reported missing
Rescuers worked through the night on Friday to save hundreds of Venezuelans trapped in rubble and find thousands more missing after two of the biggest earthquakes in Latin America's modern history smashed areas in and around the capital Caracas.
Traffic through Strait of Hormuz slows after attack on ship
Fewer vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Friday than earlier this week, hours after a Taiwanese-operated ship was fired on by Iran, ship tracking data showed.
Europe on high alert as killer heat spreads
Health authorities across Europe were on high alert on Friday as a killer heatwave progressed across the continent.
Japan braces for double storms, torrential rains shut down parts of Taiwan
Japan grappled with transport disruptions on Friday while bracing for more torrential rain and risks from two approaching tropical storms that spurred authorities to issue high-level landslide warnings and order the evacuation of 1 million people.
