Afghan army captures Taliban leader after night raid

The Afghan army detained a Taliban local leader after a special operation in the country's southern province of Kandahar overnight, the Defense Ministry said on Monday.

"Afghan National Army's Special Operation Force members carried out a special night raid operation against a Taliban hideout in Khakrez district, capturing a Taliban fugitive leader named Mullah Khalifa along with one of his comrade," the ministry said in a statement.

The arrest of the wanted man will further ensure security in the province with Kandahar city as its capital, some 450 km south of Afghan capital of Kabul, the statement noted.

The province, notorious for poppy growing, is also a known Taliban stronghold.

The Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations against militants since Tuesday after the Taliban started their so-called annual spring offensive code name "Operation Omari" and step up attacks across the country.

The militant group has yet to make comments. Enditem