KABUL, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Since launching massive offensive against Taliban militants in the southern Helmand province, the joint troops of U.S. Marine and Afghan security forces have regained the control of Khanshin district while efforts for restoring authority in three other districts are continuing, Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

    "Khanshin district is in full control of the government and people have resumed their normal life," spokesman of Defense Ministry Zahir Azimi told a news conference.

    However, Azimi added government still does not exist in the districts of Washir, Desho and Baghran while the troops were clearing those areas step by step and would eventually establish government's control in all districts of Helmand.

    Moreover, the spokesman noted that sporadic fighting is still continuing around Garmsir and Nawa districts which have been long plagued by Taliban-led insurgency.

    Azimi also said that so far 27 insurgents and one Afghan soldier had been killed and five soldiers got wounded during the fighting.

    However, he did not make comment on the casualties of the U.S.-led forces during the operation.

    A massive operation dubbed Khanjar or Strike with sword, involving nearly 5,000 Afghan security forces and U.S. Marine, has been launched in Helmand province since July 2 to restore government control in some five districts held by Taliban insurgents.