Saturday, July 23, 2011 – According to local authorities in southern Afghanistan, at least 23 Taliban militants were killed in a joint operation by Afghan and foreign forces.
Helmand governor’s media office on Saturday said, the operation was conducted by joint Afghan and foreign forces in baghran district of Helmand province on Friday night and at least 16 Taliban militants were killed during the operation.
The source further added, at least five other Taliban militants were wounded during the operation.
Local officials in Helmand province confirmed no losses in respect of Afghan and foreign forces including civilians during the operation.
The Media Office of Helmand governor also said, a number of weapons and Improvised Explosive Devices were also seized by the joint forces following the operation.
Afghan and NATO-led international forces have increased their operations against the militant insurgents in various regions of Afghanistan as the first phase of security transition already started last week in which Helmand province was also handed over to Afghan security forces.
In the meantime, at least seven other Taliban militants were killed in US forces operation in Gelan, Wagha districts and Qala-e-Qazi area of Ghazni province on Saturday, according to security officials in Ghazni province.
Officials further added, at least five foreign fighters are among those killed and a US soldier was also wounded during the operation.
According to officials, a US tank has been damaged during the operation which still continues.
Insurgents have recently increased their activities in Ghazni province targeting Afghan police check posts and government sites.
