FARAH, Afghanistan, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 18 police personnel were killed after Taliban militants ambushed a police convoy in west Afghanistan's Farah province, a local official said Monday.

"Militants attacked a police logistics convoy in Juwayn district Sunday evening. The initial information found that 18 police personnel were killed," the official who declined to be named told Xinhua.

He said several police officers went missing after the clashes which occurred in Kora Gaz locality of the remote district.

Several militants were also killed or wounded in the gun battle, but their number could not be exactly specified as the militants evacuated their casualties after the fighting, he said.

A newly appointed district police chief for Juwayn travelling in the convoy was also killed and four police were wounded, the source added.

The province has been the scene of heavy clashes between Taliban and security forces since early this year.