QALA-E-NAW, Afghanistan, Dec.13 (Xinhua) -- Over a dozen fighters were killed and injured as clash erupted between security forces and the Taliban militants outside Qala-e-Naw, the capital of western Badghis province on Wednesday, said a member of Provincial Council here Thursday.

The clash, according to Nasir Khan, erupted after Taliban militants ambushed a convoy of security forces late on Wednesday night and the troops returned fire which triggered fierce gun battle.

In the gun battle which lasted for a few hours, the official said, more than 12 fighters from both sides were killed and about a dozen of others injured.

Neither Taliban outfit nor police officials have made comments.