HERAT, Afghanistan, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Taliban's attempts to capture Obe district in the western Herat province have been foiled with 20 insurgents killed, provincial police chief Aminullah Omarkhil said Thursday.

"Taliban militants launched massive offensive with the involvement of hundreds of fighters late Wednesday night to capture Obe district, but the conspiracy has been foiled and the rebels fled away after suffering casualties and leaving 20 bodies behind," Omarkhil told Xinhua.

Ten more militants were injured in the fierce fighting, the official added.

Omarkhil admitted that two police personnel had also lost their lives in the firefight.

Taliban militants have stepped up activities since launching their so-called annual spring offensive on April 12.