18 Taliban militants killed in Afghanistan

The operation, backed by military planes, was conducted over the last two days in the troubled Darqad district of the province, resulting in the death of at least 18 Taliban fighters and injury of 11 others, Xinhua reported citing an Army statement.

The government forces also cleared Norkhil village of the insurgents and destroyed three of their hideouts, during the mop-up, the statement said.

Taliban militants who are in control of parts of the restive Darqad district have not commented yet.