HERAT, Afghanistan, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Up to 19 fighters including nine security personnel and a Taliban key commander Mullah Ghousuding along with nine of his armed men have been killed in Karakh district of the western Herat province, provincial police chief Aminullah Omarkhil said Saturday.

"The Taliban rebels under Mullah Ghousuding attacked security checkpoints in Maluma area of Karakh district in the wee hours of Saturday, triggering fierce fighting which lasted for several hours and resultantly 19 fighters including nine security personnel and 10 militants including the infamous Taliban commander Ghousudin were killed," Omarkhil told Xinhua.

According to the official, 15 more militants and six security personnel sustained injuries in the firefight.

The government forces would continue to target the militants elsewhere in Herat province, the Herat police chief further said.

Taliban militants haven't commented.