HERAT, Afghanistan - Afghan police in an operation against insurgents killed a Taliban key commander in Herat province 640 km west of capital city of Kabul, deputy to provincial police chief said on Tuesday.

Related readings:  35 Taliban fighters surrender in northern Afghan  116 Taliban fighters lay down arms in Afghanistan  Taliban leader Omar disappeared: Afghan spy agency

"Based on intelligence information Afghan National Police (ANP) launched a special operation to capture an insurgent commander in Chisht district Monday night but upon arrival of police forces in the area a gun fight broke out. As a result a Taliban key commander named Sayed Mirza was killed," Dilawar Shah Dilawar said.

According to Dilawar, after the killing of Mirza, who is responsible for coordinating and conducting subversive activities and attacks in the district, a total of 15 of his fighters laid down their arms and surrender to police.

The police official insisted that no civilian or policemen were injured during the raid.  

Taliban insurgents fighting Afghan and NATO-led troops have intensified their activities against government interests and security forces since beginning May when the militants group announced to launch spring offensive against security forces all over the country.