16 militants killed in Afghanistan's counter-offensive

The counter-offensive to regain control of Dasht-e-Arch district in the northern Kunduz province has been continuing since Friday and so far 16 Taliban fighters had been killed, spokesman for provincial government Abdul Wadood Wahidi said Saturday.

"Since launching the counter-offensive in Dasht-e-Archi on Friday morning, 16 Taliban rebels have been killed and several others injured," Wadood told reporters here.

Four security personnel were injured over the past two days, the official added.

Meantime, Zabihullah Mujahid who claims to speak for the Taliban outfit, in contact with media confirmed the fighting but added the district headquarters is still in Taliban control.

Taliban militants captured Chardara and Dasht-e-Archi districts some two weeks ago. However, the government forces have already regain the control of Chardara district but the operation for evicting Taliban from Dasht-e-Arch district has been continuing.