KABUL, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Afghan forces backed by NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) launched an operation against Taliban hideouts in Herat province in west Afghanistan and killed a key commander along with a dozen of his men, senior military commander in western region said Friday.

    "The operation supported by NATO's helicopter gunships launched in Gazara district at 10:00 p.m. local time Thursday and continued until 02:00 a.m. Friday as a result Taliban commander Ghual Yahya Akbari along with his 12 armed men were killed," General Jalandar Shah Behnam told Xinhua.

    However, he did not give more details.

    Akbari was a leading commander of Taliban militants in west Afghanistan and often carried out attacks against government interests.

    Meantime, Taliban outfit which has speed up activities has yet to make any comment.