NEW DELHI, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- A total of 16 Naxals, including a senior commander, were killed in a fierce gunfight with government forces in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, officials said Friday.

The gunfight broke out on Thursday in the Saranda forest of West Singhbhum district, about 200 km south of Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand.

According to police officials, the gunfight continued throughout the day, and the searches went on until late at night.

Police said the government forces have not suffered any damage in the fight.