Afghan forces kill 19 militants in eastern Paktia province

Security forces have killed 19 militants over the past seven days in Zarmat district of the eastern Paktia province, district governor Kaptan Ekhlas said Saturday.

"The operations were launched in Zarmat district one week ago and concluded last night; 19 rebels were killed and two others injured in the operations," Ekhlas told Xinhua.

"The armed militants have fled the area and law and order have been retorted to Zarmat district," the official asserted.

However, he admitted that mine blasts by militants had claimed the lives of eight civilians, including women and children, during the operations.

Meanwhile, Zabihullah Majahid, who claims to speak for the Taliban outfit, in contact with media confirmed the fighting in Zarmat district, but added only four Taliban fighters had been killed in the conflict which is still going on. Endit