GHAZNI, Afghanistan - Afghan forces backed by NATO-led troops eliminated 27 Taliban militants in the eastern Ghazni province, an army officer in the province Daud Shah Wafadar said Wednesday.

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"The combined operation launched Monday has so far killed 27 Taliban rebels including four local commanders," Wafadar who served as Colonel with the third Brigade of the army in Ghazni province told Xinhua.

Seven more militants have been captured, he added.

He further said that 36 pieces of assault rifles and nine anti-tank mines had also been seized during the operation.

Covering five districts namely Dayak, Waghaz, Andar, Qarabagh and Muqar, the operation would last until security is returned to the above areas.

Taliban militants fighting Afghan and NATO-led troops have yet to make comment.

Bordering Taliban birthplace Kandahar in south Afghanistan, Ghazni province has been experiencing Taliban-linked insurgency over the past couple of years.