Afghan forces kill 54 Taliban militants in Helmand province

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said at least 3 militants were also wounded during the operations conducted in Khanneshin and Nad-e-Ali districts.

According to an operational update by the Ministry of Defense (MoD), the Afghan army artillery and ground forces pounded the Taliban insurgents in the two districts during the past 24 hours.

This comes as reports emerged earlier this week that the Taliban militants have taken control of Khanshin district following a coordinated attack.

According to the local authorities, the Taliban militants have overrun some security posts which were providing security to the district administrative compound.

The officials further added that clashes still continue between the Taliban militants and the security forces after the control of the security posts were lost.

Helmand is among the volatile provinces in southern Afghanistan where anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating in its various districts and frequently carry out insurgency activities.

The Taliban militants have repeatedly launched coordinated attacks to capture key districts in Helmand province during the past several months.