Key Taliban commander among 10 killed in northern Afghan province

 Security forces during crackdown against militants in the northern Kunduz province have killed 10 armed Taliban fighters including a key commander and arrested 20 others, Interior Ministry said in a statement released here on Thursday.

"The government forces in fresh operations against Taliban rebels targeted their hideouts in Chardara district, Kunduz province Wednesday night, killing 10 armed insurgents including key commander Qari Najib and captured 20 others," the statement said.

Several villages have also been liberated from Taliban clutch during the operations, the statement asserted.

Without commenting on possible casualties of security forces, the statement noted that the operations would last in Chardara and adjoining districts until security situation improves in the area.

Taliban militants who have been fighting the government to regain power have yet to make comment.

Source: XINHUA