Afghan forces backed by aircraft have killed 61 militants including shadow deputy provincial governor in the southern Helmand province over the past two days.

According to a statement of the provincial government released here Sunday, more than two dozen militants have also been injured in the operations in the former Taliban stronghold.

"A total of 61 Taliban rebels, including Mawlawi Dad Mohammad, the shadow deputy provincial governor of Taliban for Helmand province, have been killed over the past two days," the statement said.

A shadow district governor of Taliban outfit is also among those killed in the crackdown, it added.

Taliban militants, who have been fighting the government forces in the province over the past couple of years and are now in control of some districts there, are yet to make comments.

Source : XINHUA