LOC16:53
13:53 GMT
ISLAMABAD, Jan 13 (KUNA) -- At least 12 Taliban rebels including a local commander have been killed in an airstrike by security forces in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, said officials on Friday.
The district chief, Ayub Omar Omari told media that Afghan forces conducted the air raids in Gimak and Kharki areas of the Garamser district in Helmand. He confirmed that 12 fighters were killed in the air strike.
A local Taliban commander, Mualvi Attiqullah was among the killed, he added. The governor's spokesman, Omar Zwak also confirmed the Taliban's casualties in Garamser and said security situation in the district was improving and the rebels were on the run.
Taliban completely control around six of 14 districts of the strategically significant Helmand province where Afghan forces control centers of several other districts.
The air strike came at a time when Afghan security forces have paced up their attacks across Afghanistan to maintain law and order situation in the country. (end)
sbk.mt