Kabul, March 9 (IANS): Casualties were feared as Taliban militants attacked government offices in Afghanistan's Helmand province on Wednesday, sources said.

Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

"Unknown number of militants arrived and seized a building in Gereshk district near administrative offices and the police station. They exchanged fire with security forces and targetted the buildings with small arms and grenades," Xinhua quoted a security source as saying.

"There is fear of possible causalities. So far, we have no more details," district governor Mohammad Sharif said.

Security forces carried out a counter-attack and additional security forces were dispatched to the area, he said.

The streets were mainly deserted and people shut down shops shortly after the fighting.

"Militants also attacked several security checkpoints in outer parts of the district and tried to take control of the buildings and overrun the district," the source said.