An Afghanistan government army's soldier is training in the suburb of Karbal, Aug. 13, 2006.(Xinhua file photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    KABUL, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Over 40 militants and one ISAF soldier were killed in Operation Medusa in the southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said Saturday in a statement.

    The rebels were killed late Friday and early Saturday in the operation, which was launched a week ago by around 2,000 ISAF and Afghan troops to wipe out militants in Panjwai and Zhari districts.

    One ISAF soldier, whose nationality is yet to be announced, was also killed on Saturday morning, the statement said.

    In the latest conflict, Afghan and ISAF troops have destroyed another three insurgent positions, a bomb-making factory and a weapon cache, it said, adding the troops are now occupying parts of the two districts.

    Afghan and ISAF troops have re-opened Highway 1 to civilian traffic and will maintain a patrolling presence to ensure civilians can travel the route in increased safety.

    "There is severe pressure on the insurgents remaining in the area, which will continue until they are either defeated or choose reconciliation through surrender," said David Fraser, a senior ISAF commander.

    Operation Medusa is the largest one against Taliban rebels since ISAF took command in southern Afghanistan from the U.S.-led coalition forces on July 31.

    Over 340 Taliban militants have been killed and at least 80 captured in the operation, according to ISAF, which also said over 700 militants have been besieged in the two districts by ISAF and Afghan troops.

    However, a senior Taliban commander has rejected the saying, claiming only a dozen of militants have lost their lives.

    Panjwai, about 40 km west of Kandahar city, capital of Kandahar province, has been a hotbed of Taliban militants.

    About 10,000 ISAF troops are deployed in southern Afghanistan, a traditional stronghold of the Taliban, to fight insurgents there.

    Afghanistan is suffering from a rise of Taliban-linked violence this year, during which more than 2,200 people, mostly Taliban rebels, have been killed. Among the fatalities are over 100 foreign troops. Enditem