20 militants killed in Afghanistan airstrikes

At least 20 militants were killed when the military aircraft pounded Taliban hideouts in northern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, a police official said on Tuesday.

"Acting upon intelligence reports, the aircraft of security forces targeted the hideouts of the armed Taliban insurgents in Zebak district late last night, killing at least 20 enemies on the spot," General Shir Aziz Kamawal told Xinhua news agency.

Six vehicles and two motorbikes of the militants were also destroyed in the Monday attacks, the official said.

The deadly air raids were conducted after the Taliban captured Zebak district a couple of days ago.

Taliban militants, according to the locals, have been attempting to overrun Zebak's neighbouring Ashkashim district too and government forces have been fighting back to foil the plans.

--IANS

soni/vt