Afghan forces' fresh operations kill 25 militants in northern province

MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 25 militants have been killed, several others injured, as security forces launched fresh operations against Taliban militants in Chamtal district of the northern Balkh province on Friday, army spokesman in the northern region Mohammad Hanif Rezai said Saturday.

The crackdown, according to the official, was launched in several villages of the restive Chamtal district on Friday afternoon.

Without hinting at the possible casualties of the security forces, the official pointed out that the government forces would continue to target the armed militants in Chamtal district and its vicinity to stabilize law and order there.

The Taliban outfit has yet to make comment.