KABUL, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF)and NATO troops have eliminated 12 Taliban militants including tworegional commanders in joint operations targeting Taliban hideoutsin southern Afghan province of Kandahar, an official said on Saturday.

    Abdul Qayum Qatawazi, the provincial chief of National Security Department, told Xinhua that ANSF and NATO troops launched a two-day joint operation on Thursday in Jalai district against Taliban activities in the area.

    "The joint forces searched and attacked one Taliban base on Thursday killing the commander Mullah Amir and his six followers,"Qatawazi said.

    He added that another Taliban commander Mullah amin and four other Taliban rebels were killed in a similar operation on Friday.

    "No casualties of ANSF or NATO forces were reported," he said.

    Taliban militants, who have staged a comeback three years ago and intensified their activities targeting interests of Afghan government and international troops, have yet to make any comment.

    Conflicts and spiraling insurgency have claimed the lives of over 4,000 people, mostly militants, so far this year.