MAIMANA, Afghanistan, July 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 23 insurgents were killed and 13 others were injured during clashes and airstrikes in Faryab province, north of Afghanistan on Monday, a local official said Tuesday.

"Afghan National Army launched military operations in Gurziwan and Khwaja Sabz Posh districts, Faryab province, killing 23 insurgents and injuring 13 others," Hanif Rezai, spokesman of army Corps 209 Shaheen based in the region, told Xinhua.

The ground forces were supported by Afghan air force helicopters and one militant was arrested by the security forces, he added.

Fighting has escalated in Afghanistan as the Taliban insurgency spreads from its traditional strongholds in the south and east to the once peaceful region in the north, where Taliban have been recruiting from among the youth.

Taliban militants did not make comment on the report so far.