KABUL, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- At least nine police officers and one journalist were killed in a suicide bomb blast which followed day-long clashes between security forces and Taliban militants in northern Afghan Kunduz city on Saturday, sources said.

"Provincial police chief was briefing local reporters about security situation of Kunduz city at main traffic circle of Kunduz city at 5:40 p.m. (local time). A suicide bomber approached them and detonated his explosive jacket, leaving the casualties," a provincial police source told Xinhua.

Five people, including the police chief, also sustained injuries, he said. Taliban militant group has claimed responsibility for the suicide attack.

The clashes started roughly at 1:00 a.m. (local time) Saturday after militants armed with assault rifles, machine guns and rocket launchers attacked the city from three locations, aiming to take full control of the strategic city.

At least six civilians, nine security forces personnel and 36 Taliban militants were killed while 35 civilians and security forces personnel and 10 militants were wounded during the clashes.