CHIGHCHIRAN (PAN): Around eight Taliban fighters were killed as two commanders of the militant group encountered in western Badghis province, officials said Saturday.

Col Muhammad Ayub Niazyar police chief of Badghis province told Pajhwok Afghan News the exchange of fire between loyalists of Mulla Abdur Rahman Haqani and Mulla Ahmad Wardak killed five fighters and seriously injured three more from the two factions in Ghormach district of the province.

The incident occurred in Jar-e-Sia area of the district, the police official said, Mulla Ahmad Wardak has been arrested by men loyal to Mulla Abdur Rahman.

Police had been deployed to the area and the two fighting militant commanders had dispersed into the nearby mountains, he added.

Abdul Ghani Sabir deputy provincial governor said Mulla Abdur Rahman had initiated to join the government and his men arrested Mulla Ahmad Wardak.

He said eight Taliban were killed in the fighting.

He described Abdur Rahman Haqani as former Taliban governor in Badghis and Mulla Ahmad as Taliban commander in north.

Col Abdul Khalil Andarabi police chief of neighboring Faryab province said the fighting between the two commanders was still continuing.

Mam/ajr