Kabul, May 16 (IANS): At least five militants were killed following a clash with the security forces in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar on Saturday, the provincial government said.

"Five gunmen, including a would-be suicide bomber, were killed after a clash with the security forces in Sheego Godar area of Arghistan district early Saturday morning," Xinhua news agency quoted a government statement as saying.

“The militants tried to attack a security checkpoint but their assault was prevented by the security forces and that "no security force member was hurt during the clash," the statement added.

On Friday, four militants were killed after their vehicle set off an improvised explosive device (IED) in neighbouring Shorabak district, the statement noted.

The Taliban have intensified attacks since the Afghan security forces assumed full security responsibility in the country from NATO-led troops since January 1.