Afghan forces kill 20 militants, overrun Taliban bastion in northern province

Afghan security force members take part in a military operation in Sayad district of Sari Pul province, Afghanistan, Feb. 16, 2019. Afghan government forces have killed 20 militants and overrun a main base of the Taliban outfit in Sayad district of Afghanistan's northern Sari Pul province following fierce fighting, provincial police chief Abdul Karim Baqizoi said Sunday. (Xinhua/Mohammad Jan Aria)

SARI PUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Afghan government forces have killed 20 militants and overrun a main base of the Taliban outfit in Sayad district of Afghanistan's northern Sari Pul province following fierce fighting, provincial police chief Abdul Karim Baqizoi said Sunday.

Confirming the operations, provincial government spokesman Zabihullah Amani told Xinhua that several villages have also been recaptured during the operations.

Only one security personnel has been killed and another injured, according to Amani.

The operations, launched early Tuesday, would last until Sayad district and its vicinity get clear of the insurgents, Amani further said.

Taliban militants who operate in parts of Sari Pul province haven't commented yet.