KABUL, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Operation and air raids against Taliban hideout in Afghanistan's western Badghis province killed 20 insurgents including their commander, a military officer in the area said Tuesday.

    "Air strikes carried out by NATO and ground operation by Afghan troops in Ghormach district Monday left 20 rebels including their commander Mullah Babai dead," General Murad Ali Murad told Xinhua.

    He also claimed there were no casualties on Afghan forces and civilians living around.

    The clean-up operation, according to the commander, is going on.

    Meanwhile, Mullah Abdul Hai, who claims to speak for the Taliban fighter in the area, rejected Murad's claim, saying only two insurgents were killed and 10 others sustained injuries.

    The remaining of the casualties, according to Taliban purported spokesman, are civilians.

    Conflicts and Taliban-related violence have claimed the lives of more than 5,500 people, mostly insurgents, according to officials so far this year in Afghanistan.