SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan, May 20 (Xinhua) -- As many as 63 militants loyal to the Taliban outfit have been killed over the past 48 hours during counter-offensive operations by government forces in Afghanistan's northern province of Jauzjan, army spokesman Mohammad Hanif Rezai said Sunday.

According to the official, Taliban militants launched multi-pronged offensives on security forces checkpoints in the Qarqin district of the restive province on Friday.

The spokesman said that security forces retaliated, forcing militants to flee after losing 63 fighters, besides leaving 27 others injured.

Rezai also mentioned that six security personnel had been killed in fighting against militants in Qarqin district over the period.

Security forces, according to the official, have been chasing the militants to clean the area from insurgents.

Taliban militants, who have stepped up activities since launching the outfit's annual offensive on April 25, are yet to make comments.