2010-09-22 17:30

KHOST, Afghanistan - Afghan and NATO-led troops eliminated 27 Taliban militants in Khost province east of Afghanistan, an Afghan military officer in the province Mohammad Irsar said Wednesday.

"The joint operation conducted in Mirsamar village of Spirai district late Tuesday night which left 27 rebels dead," Israr told Xinhua.

Air power had also been used during the operation, he further said.

Taliban militants who vowed to intensify their activities against Afghan and NATO-led troops have yet to make comment.

Using airpower against Taliban in southern Kandahar province left six militants dead on Tuesday while a helicpter crashed in the neighboring Zabul province left nine NATO soldiers dead on the same day Tuesday, NATO-led troops confirmed in statements.