QALAT, Afghanistan, June 12 (Xinhua) -- As many as 54 militants including the group's key commander and deputy shadow governor for the country's southern Zabul province were killed in Afghan forces's operations, Provincial Governor Rahmtaullah Yarmal said Wednesday.

The security forces launched well-coordinated operations on Tuesday in response to a Taliban attack on some security outposts in Daychopan district of the province, resulting in the death of 54 Taliban fighters including their deputy shadow governor for the province, according to the official. A total of 17 others were injured.

The official also said six security personnel were killed in the firefight.

However, the armed Taliban outfit in a counter-claim statement released to media on Wednesday said the militants had taken control of Daychopan district.