Air strikes kill 16 militants, wound 22 in W. Afghanistan

Up to 16 militants were killed and nearly two dozen others injured as aircrafts pounded Taliban hideouts in Pasawand district of the western Ghor province on Sunday.

"The air raids were conducted against Taliban hideouts in Pasawand district this morning, killing 16 rebels and injuring 22 others," spokesman for provincial government Abdul Hai Khatibi told Xinhua.

He also added that cleanup operations backed by air power have been continuing in the area since Saturday.

Taliban militants who are active in parts of Ghor and the neighboring Badghis province have yet to make comment.

(APD)