Kabul, June 1 (IANS): Militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group have suffered heavy casualties in a fight with the Taliban militants in Farah province of Afghanistan.

According to local security officials, the casualties were inflicted on IS-affiliated militants during a 20-hour-long fight with the Taliban militants in Anar Dara district, Khaama press reported.

Clashes between IS and Taliban militants broke out while the IS militants were looking to establish sanctuaries for themselves, Afghan National Army (ANA) spokesperson in Farah province, Hanif Rezaye, said.

He said that at least 15 IS militants, including their commander Syed Mahmood Hussaini, were killed and 12 others were taken into custody.

Rezaye further added that at least 14 IS militants were also injured and dozens of others surrendered to the Taliban group along with their weapons, ammunition and some vehicles.

According to Rezaye, at least five Taliban militants were also killed and nine others wounded in the clashes.

This comes even as at least 16 militants affiliated with the Taliban group and IS group were killed following a series of air raids by the Afghan Air Force in Farah.

According to local government officials, the airstrikes were carried out on Friday close to Shindand district in Herat province and Anar Dara district in Farah province.