20 militants killed in S. Afghanistan

Up to 20 militants wree killed and six others captured as clash flared up in Shah Walikot district of the southern Kandahar province early Wednesday, police spokesman in the province Zia Durani said.

"The clash erupted in the wee hours of today after the government forces launched cleanup operations in Zangitan area and the Taliban rebels resisted and so far 20 rebels have been killed and six others made captive," Durani told Xinhua.

According to the official, the operations would last until the law and order return there.

Taliban militants who are active in parts of Kandahar province, have yet to make comment on it. Enditem