KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Up to 16 Taliban militants were arrested by special forces following a search operation in Afghanistan's restive northern province of Kunduz overnight in a latest raid against the insurgents, a military official said Monday.

"The arrest was made by the Afghan National Army (ANA) Special Operations Forces Sunday night in Kanam area of provincial capital Kunduz city. Those among the arrestees were two local Taliban leaders," Ghulam Hazrat Karimi, a press officer of the army's Division 20 Pamir, told Xinhua.

"Four of the arrested insurgents are recognized militants, while 10 others have had active part in the Kunduz conflicts over the weekend," Karimi said.

The related departments have started an investigation after seizing arms and documents from captured militants, according to the source.

On Saturday, a fierce clash erupted between the government forces and Taliban militants, who tried to capture Kunduz city, resulting in the death of five civilians and five security personnel and injury of over 70 others in the province.

Heavy casualties also inflicted on the Taliban fighters during the encounter which lasted for one day.

Fighting rages across the war-torn country and clashes between security forces and Taliban have been continuing in 25 out of the country's 34 provinces since early Friday when Taliban launched a yearly rebel offensive.

The Taliban frequently starts the offensive in spring as the season is locally branded as the fighting time of the year.