Afghan airstrike kills 12 Taliban militants in eastern province

GHAZNI, Afghanistan, June 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 12 militants including a key Taliban commander have been confirmed dead as fighting aircraft pounded Taliban hideouts in the eastern Ghazni province on Saturday night, provincial governor's spokesman Aref Nuri said Sunday.

According to the official, Mullah Mabariz was an eminent Taliban commander and with his killing, the armed militants would be demoralized and the security situation would be improved in Ghazni province.

Taliban militants are yet to make a comment on the airstrike in Gawar area of Gilan district in the restive province.