TALUQAN, Afghanistan, May 19 (Xinhua) -- About nine people have been killed and seven others wounded by gunshots in Afghanistan's northern province of Takhar, a local official said Sunday.

"A gunfight occurred following an argument between members of two irresponsible armed groups in Rustaq district, north-eastern of provincial capital Taluqan city Saturday night," provincial government spokesman Jawad Hejri told Xinhua.

The police recovered nine bodies, suspected to be those of the militia groups' members, he said.

An investigation was undertaken into the incident.

Local authorities blamed the irresponsible armed groups for the incident, saying loose law as well as carrying arms by irresponsible armed men resulted in the armed clash.