Clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban insurgents in west Afghanistan claimed the lives of 20 rebels, a private newspaper reported Wednesday.

"Twenty militants were killed during clash with security forces Tuesday in Band-e-Sabzak area between Herat and Badghis provinces in western Afghanistan," daily Rah-e-Nejat writes.

Quoting Herat police chief Asmatullah Alizai, the newspaper added that five more insurgents got wounded in the gun battle lasted for hours.

It also added that police and soldiers had been deputed on the highway to ensure lasting security for traffic there.

Taliban insurgents continued to engage Afghan security forces and foreign troops with guerrilla-style attacks, besides launching roadside bombings and suicide attacks, across the militancy-hit country.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2009)