KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Up to 42 armed insurgents have been confirmed dead and 25 others wounded after an overnight of Afghan forces operations backed by airstrikes conducted in Shah Walikot district in Taliban former stronghold southern Kandahar province, police said Friday.
The incident took place in Seyasang and Buri areas of Shah Walikot district after the armed Taliban attacked security checkpoints in the districts, said Kandahar police chief General Abdul Razeq.
"Air force was called for help in the area, resulting in killing 42 Taliban rebels and 25 others wounded," Razeq told Xinhua.
The official also confirmed that four security personnel had been killed and some others injured.
The is the militants' second offensive launched in the province, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced his strategy on Afghanistan.
Taliban militants who have vowed to continue the war against the U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan earlier attacked security checkpoints in Nish district of Kandahar and the neighboring Uruzgan provinces.
