GHAZNI, Afghanistan, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Up to 16 militants have been killed and 13 more insurgents sustained injuries as a clash flared up between security forces and Taliban in Muqar district of Afghanistan's eastern Ghazni province, provincial police chief Mohammad Zaman Khosti said Tuesday.

The clash, according to the official, erupted after Taliban fighters ambushed a police patrol in Ali Khil area of Muqar district on Monday evening and police retaliated triggering gun battle and lasted for hours forcing militants to flee after leaving 16 bodies behind.

Khosti, however, declined to answer if there were security forces casualties, saying security forces would continue to target militants.

Taliban militants who are in control of parts of Ghazni province are yet to make comment.