KABUL, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Clash between Afghan troops and Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province south of Afghanistan claimed the lives of two insurgents and forced nine others to lay down arms and surrender, an official said Wednesday.

    "The gun battle occurred in Panjwai district Tuesday night and the troops killed two militants on the spot. Nine more insurgents laid down arms and surrendered to the troops," senior military commander in south Afghanistan General Shir Mohammad Zazi told Xinhua.

    He did not say if there were any important Taliban elements among those killed or surrendered.

    Taliban militants have not to make comment yet.

    Kandahar, a former stronghold of Taliban, has been the scene of almost regular violent incidents.

    The militants also shot dead a working lady in Kandahar city couple of days ago.