TAKHAR -- Afghan security forces killed at least 40 Taliban militants during an operation in Takhar Province, the Defence Ministry said in a statement Tuesday (June 5).
The clearance operation began two days ago in Dasht-e-Qala and Khwaja Bahauddin districts, said the statement.
Local militant commander Mullah Mohammad Qazel, also known as Abu Yousuf, was among those killed, it added.
The Taliban did not immediately comment.
