LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Up to 21 Taliban militants were killed in southern Afghan province of Helmand as Afghan and coalition forces continued in mopping-up operations, provincial government spokesman said Monday.
The latest operations and airstrikes in Gereshk and neighboring Marja districts left 21 militants dead and four others injured on Sunday, spokesman Omar Zwak told Xinhua.
Those among the killed were three Taliban local leaders identified as Ahmad Masrror, coordinator of Taliban suicide attacks across Helmand, Mullah Seddiqullah and Mawlawi Sujad, he said.
Ammunition, weapons, a handful of narcotics together with three vehicles and four motorbikes were also seized after the raids, he noted.
Helmand, notorious for poppy growing, is also a known Taliban stronghold.
Afghan security forces and the NATO-led coalition troops have beefed up security operations and airstrikes against militants as the war-weary people are facing upsurges in attacks by Taliban and Islamic State (IS) militants across the country.
The militants group has yet to make comments on the report.
