DUSHANBE, June 20, 2016, Asia-Plus -- During an air strike, eight armed Taliban were killed including Qari Ali a key member of armed Taliban, the Afghan Ministry of Interior said, Khaama Press reported.

According to a statement by the ministry, the airstrike took place in Taraki village, Dasht Archi District of Kunduz province.

“This group was involved in many terrorist and destructive activities in this district and other areas of Kunduz province,” the statement added.

The ministry added, “After eliminating this group the security situation in this district is expected to improve.”

Kunduz is among the relatively volatile provinces in Northern Afghanistan where anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating and frequently carry out insurgency activities.

The Taliban group launched a major attack by announcing their spring offensive in mid-April this year with an aim to recapture the strategic Kunduz.

However, the attack was repulsed by the Afghan security forces following days of heavy gun battle between the two sides.

Meanwhile, Pajhwok Afghan News reported on June 20 that police chief for northern Kunduz Brig. Gen. Mohammad Qasim Jangalbagh has said clearing operations are underway in all parts to flush out the enemy and enforce security across the province.

In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, the police chief said security forces had the ability to maintain law and order and the Taliban would not be able to overrun the provincial capital again.

He added all units of security forces had developed coordination in defending their motherland even at the cost of their lives. The police chief asked local residents to ignore Taliban’s propaganda and repose trust in their security forces.

According to Pajhwok Afghan News , at least 10 civilians were killed and 40 others wounded in a remote-controlled explosion in the Kisham district of northeastern Badakhshan province on Monday.  

Besides, fourteen Nepalese citizens were killed and nine others, including four Afghans, wounded in a suicide bombing in Kabul today.