Afghan forces kill 2 Taliban including key commander

Afghan security forces have killed two Taliban militants including a key commander and injured two others in the eastern Laghman province and extended government control over several villages, a statement released by provincial administration said Tuesday. "Security forces kicked off operations against Taliban militants in parts of Alinegar district on Sunday night and during Tuesday's operations, two Taliban rebels including a key commander were killed and two others sustained injuries,"the statement added. It didn't identify the name of the killed commander, but added he belonged to Zarqawi group of Taliban network, saying the commander's death is a major setback to the armed outfit operation in Laghman province. Following the operations, Taliban rebels have fled the area enabling government forces to establish control in several villages, the statement added. It did not say if there were any casualties on the security forces. Taliban militants fighting the government have yet to make comment.