Afghan troops during operation against Taliban militants eliminated nearly two dozen insurgents in Uruzgan province, south of Afghanistan, a senior military commander in the region said Wednesday.

"Acting upon intelligence report, Afghan troops backed by the US-led Coalition forces pounded Taliban militants in Chinartook area, outside provincial capital Trinkot, killing 23 rebels including their commander Mullah Ismael Kuchi," commander of Afghan Corps in the region General Shir Mohammad Zazi told Xinhua.

There were no casualties on Afghan, Coalition and civilians, he contended.

Taliban militants who have vowed to intensify activities this year in Afghanistan have not made comment so far.

(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2009)