Afghan forces repulse militants from around key city in southern province

Afghan government forces expelled Taliban militants from 2nd police district of Helmand's provincial capital Lashkar and the armed outfit fled the area, security official Mir Hamza said Saturday.

"In a well-coordinated overnight attack, the security forces, after killing 22 Taliban rebels and injuring 20 others, have recaptured 2nd police district in Lashkar Gah city forcing the rebels to flee," Hamza told Xinhua.

Several more militants have sustained injuries, the official said.

Taliban militants, who controlled some districts of the poppy growing Helmand province, have tightened the noose around provincial capital Lashkar Gah and attempting to overrun the key southern city.

Government forces have been fighting tooth and nail to dislodge militants from around Lashkar Gah and expand its control across the restive province. Endit