A clash between security forces and Taliban militants has claimed 40 lives of the armed insurgents in Taliban former stronghold southern Helmand province on Friday, a senior army officer in the province, Bridediar Abdul Wadood said.

"The bloody clash erupted in Sarwan Qala district when a group of Taliban rebels attacked three security checkpoints in Sadozai area early Friday morning and security forces retaliated triggering gun battle during which 40 rebels have been killed and 16 others injured forcing the militants to flee away," Abdul Wadood told reporters here.

Only two army personnel have been injured during the clash, the official said, adding the cleanup operations of security forces are continuing in the area to ensure law and order there.

Taliban militants who are fighting the government and have challenged the security forces in parts of Helmand province over the past some months haven't made comment.