A NATO soldier was killed and two others sustained injuries in Taliban-linked activities in northern Baghlan province, a spokesman of the alliance in the neighboring Kunduz said Sunday.

"One American soldier was killed and two others received injuries in Baghlan last night," Major Wessel told Xinhua.

He did not provide more details.

Meantime, locals say that the clash occurred in Charshanba Tapa village of Baghlan-e-Jadid district on Saturday.

On the other hand, Zabihullah Mujahid, who claims to speak for the Taliban outfit in talks with media via telephone from an undisclosed location, confirmed the clash, emphasizing four soldiers were killed and three others sustained injuries.

Taliban militants have intensified their activities in both Kunduz and the neighboring Baghlan province since early this year.