GHAZNI, Afghanistan, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- A total of 12 militants and eight security personnel have been killed as clash erupted in Khogiani district of the eastern Ghazni province on Monday, police spokesman in the restive province Ahmad Khan Sirat said.

The clash, according to the official, flared up after a group of Taliban insurgents attacked some security checkpoints in Khogiani district at 12:10 a.m. local time and security forces returned fire which lasted for several hours.

As a result, eight security personnel and 12 militants were killed and 11 others including three security personnel and eight militants sustained injuries.

All those militants killed in fighting belonged to Mullah Edris and Mullah Kibal, the commanders of Taliban outfit affiliated with Red Force, a special fighting unit of the armed group, Sirat said.

The government forces are in control of the area, the official said, adding the security forces would continue to chase the insurgents in Khogiani and its vicinity to ensure lasting peace there.

Taliban militants who are in control of parts of the troubled Ghazni province are yet to make comment on the situation.