News - Afghanistan

At least 23 Taliban militants were killed in a joint operation by Afghan and foreign forces in Afghanistan, officials said.

Sixteen Taliban militants were killed in Afghan and foreign forces operation in Baghran district of Helmand province on Friday night, governor's Media Office said on Saturday.

Five other Taliban militants were wounded during the operation, the Media Office added.

Afghan and foreign forces and civilians suffered no casualties during the operation, it said.

The Media Office said that during the operation the joint forces have seized weapons and Improvised Explosive Devices.

The operation comes as Afghan forces have taken security responsibility of Lashkargah the capital of Helmand province a few days ago.

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, Zorawar Zahid, police chief told TOLOnews reporter.

Mr Zahid said five foreign fighters are among those killed and a US soldier was also wounded during the operation.

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.