Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan (ANTARA News/Xinhua-OANA) - Security forces have killed 20 Taliban militants in Washir district of Helmand province, 555 km south of capital Kabul over the past three days, spokesman for provincial administration Daud Ahmadi said Tuesday.

"Afghan forces backed by NATO-led troops during series of operations in Washir district over the past three days have killed 20 Taliban militants including four commanders namely Mullah Ahsan, Mullah Abdullah, Mullah Abdul Haq and Mullah Assadullah," Ahmadi told Xinhua.

Ten Taliban militants were injured during the operations, he further said.

On the other hand, Taliban purported spokesman Qari Yusuf Ahmadi confirmed the clash in Washir district and said only three Taliban fighters had been killed and three others sustained injuries.

Helmand has been regarded as the hotbed of Taliban militants and notorious for poppy cultivation in the militancy-plagued country. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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