Afghan troops backed by NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) eliminated 16 anti- government militants during an overnight operation in Taliban hotbed Helmand province, 555 km south of Afghan capital Kabul, a press release of Helmand's provincial administration said Saturday.
"Afghan and ISAF security forces conducted a special operation on insurgents and drug traffickers co-center in Baghran district of Helmand province. Operation resulted in killing of 16 insurgents," the press release added, Xinhua reported.
Five more insurgents were wounded while security forces faced with strong opposition of insurgent, the press release further said.
During the operation conducted Friday night, according to the press release, Afghan and coalition security forces seized 2000 kg poppy, 6 kg heroin, 50 kg hashish, 150 kg morphine, 500 kg ammonium chloride, 400 kg heroin-acid and 20 kg ammoniumnitrate and destroyed all captured material at the same location, the press release stated.
There were no casualties on civilian and security forces, the press release said.
Taliban militants fighting Afghan and NATO-led troops have yet to make comment.
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