Afghan troops in an operation against Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province late in the week eliminated 10 rebels," a statement of Defense Ministry released here Sunday said.

"In the operation launched against militants in Mianishin district of Kandahar province on Friday 10 rebels were killed," the statement said.

It also confirmed that four Afghan soldiers sustained injuries during the operation.

Taliban fighters have yet to make comment.

Conflicts and Taliban-related violence have claimed the lives of over 6,000 people since beginning 2007 in Afghanistan.

(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2007)