Afghan Interior Minister Ahmad Moqbel Zarar has survived an assassination attempt by Taliban insurgents, a ministry spokesman says.

Taliban militants ambushed and opened fire on Zarar's convoy, as the Afghan minister was on his way to Laghman Province in the eastern part of the country, Press TV correspondents reported Wednesday.

Afghan police and Taliban insurgents exchanged fire for some 15 minutes.

Interior Ministry spokesman Zamarai Bashari confirmed the Taliban attempt on Zarar's life adding that the minister and his entourage were unharmed.

Bashari did not disclose any information on Taliban casualties, saying a probe has been launched into the incident.

The Taliban took responsibility for the attack and claimed the Afghan police had suffered significant casualties.

MD/HGH/RE