Over 2 dozen fighters including 4 security personnel killed in W. Afghanistan

KABUL, March 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 fighters including 10 Taliban militants and four security personnel have been killed following a fierce clash in Afghanistan's western Badghis province, an official said Monday.

The clash erupted Sunday night after the Taliban militants stormed security checkpoints in Bala Murghab district of the province, leaving four government troops dead and four others wounded, Jamshid Shahabi, the provincial governor's spokesman, said.

He added that at least 10 Taliban militants were killed and over a dozen others injured in the overnight conflict.

Meanwhile, Abdul Azizbig, head of the provincial council, claimed that 16 army soldiers had been killed and 20 others wounded following a few days conflict in the restive Bala Murghab district.

Azizbig has also warned that the beleaguered district may collapse if supportive forces fail to arrive at the site on time.

Taliban militants have yet to make comments on the situation.