KABUL, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Afghan National Army (ANA) backed by the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) eliminated 18 Taliban militants in Nawbahar district of southern Zabul province on Saturday, Afghan army commander in the region said.

    "Acting upon intelligence report, both Afghan and the international troops carried out an operation against Taliban hideout and the militants opened fire and the troops responded killing 18 rebels," Shir Mohammad Zazi told Xinhua.

    There were no casualties on the troops, he said.

    Taliban militants fighting Afghan, NATO and U.S. troops have yet to make comments.

    Despite the presence of over 100,000 troops of U.S. and NATO-led forces in the post-Taliban county, the insurgency has reached its worst level since the ousting of Taliban regime in late 2001, prompting U.S. President Obama to review the strategy in war on terrorism in Afghanistan.