KABUL, August 1 (Xinhua) -- Afghan National Army (ANA) and police on Thursday evening launched joint operation targeting Taliban insurgents in two separate eastern Afghan provinces of Paktiya and Khost arresting 13 insurgents including one high ranking commander, officials said on Friday.

    Ruhullah Samoon, the provincial spokesman of Paktiya told Xinhua that the combined forces searched the area of Abudullah Qala where they engaged with militants and captured the Taliban leader named Ikramudeen along with his six followers.

    Meanwhile, Haseen Jan Sherzai, the chief of Spera district of Khost said ANA and police launched clear-up operation targeting Taliban militants late last night in Spera district arresting six rebels, seizing a number of weapons and ammunitions as well.

    The eastern Afghanistan's frontier provinces has witnessed the surge of Taliban attacks on international and Afghan troops during past weeks when the anti-government militants continue to demonstrate their strength through suicide and roadside bombings.

    Escalating insurgency and violent incidents have left around 2,500 people dead since January this year in the war-torn country.