QALA-E-NAW, Afghanistan, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A total of 12 fighters including five militants and seven pro-government militiamen were killed after a clash erupted in Afghanistan's western Badghis province, an official said Friday.

The fighting happened late on Thursday night when a group of armed Taliban launched multi-pronged attacks on security checkpoints in Qadas district of the province, district governor Toryalai Ahmadzai said.

"Seven pro-government militia and five Taliban fighters were killed and 16 others including 12 insurgents wounded during the fierce battle which lasted for five hours," Ahmadzai told Xinhua.

Ahmadzai also said that the militants had fled away.

The Taliban militants in the restive province and adjoining areas have not commented on the situation.