Afghan forces kill 37 militants, bolster position in Faryab province

Afghan security forces have killed 37 Taliban militants and bolstered positions in several districts of Faryab province with Maimana as its capital 425 km northwest of Kabul over the past one week, provincial police chief, Subhan Qul Ibrahim said Sunday.

"A total of 37 armed Taliban rebels have been killed, 31 others injured and two more others captured," Ibrahimi told reporters at a news conference here.

Several villages have been liberated from the clutches of Taliban outfit in Qaisar, Almar, Khawja Sabzposh and Shirin Tagab districts during the operations, the official said, adding the security forces have strengthened their positions in the said districts forcing militants to flee.

He didn't say if there were casualties on security personnel.

Taliban militants who have stepped up their activities since launching their so-called spring offensive on April 24 and have captured territory in the northern Kunduz and Baghlan provinces were close to capture some districts in Faryab province.

To boost security forces morale, Afghan interior ministry Nurul Haq Ulomi visited Faryab provinces couple of days ago and assured to destroy militancy in the province.

"The operation to smash militants would continue in Faryab province till ensuring lasting peace there," police chief Ibrahimi said.

Taliban militants fighting the government haven't made comment. Endi