"The security forces backed by aircrafts targeted Taliban hideouts in several villages of Chamtal district, Balkh province since Tuesday morning and so far 18 rebels have been killed, 12 others injured," Hussaini told Xinhua.
Without providing information on possible casualties of security forces, the official asserted that cleanup operations would continue until the militants are wiped out from the area.
Taliban outfit has not commented.
XINHUA/MNA