PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Afghan forces have killed nine militants and injured eight others as cleanup operations entered the third day on Thursday in northern Baghlan province, a police spokesman in the province said.

The government forces, according to Zabihullah Shijah, launched cleanup operations in Tala-o-Barfak district three days ago to eliminate Taliban fighters and ensure lasting peace in the restive district.

According to the spokesman, several villages have been liberated from Taliban clutches and militants are fleeing.

Taliban militants haven't commented on the report.