KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Fighting between security forces and Taliban militants have left 16 fighters from both sides dead in Qala-e-Zal district of Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province, an army spokesman in the northern region Mohammad Hanif Rezai said Thursday.

The clash, according to the official, broke out early Thursday and lasted for six hours during which 13 insurgents had been killed and 16 others injured.

Rezai also admitted that three security personnel were killed and two others wounded as their vehicle ran over a mine in the area.

According to locals, sporadic fighting is still ongoing.

Taliban militants have yet commented.