TALUQAN, Afghanistan, June 13 (Xinhua) -- At least 19 militants have been killed and a dozen others sustained injuries as government forces launched cleanup operations in Khawja Ghar district of Afghanistan's northern Takhar province, said an army statement on Thursday.

Following a massive offensive launched by the Taliban militants in Khawja Ghar district over the weekend, the militant group had overrun parts of the troubled district and set on fire some government offices.

To repulse Taliban fighters and restore law and order there, security forces launched major counter-offensive on Wednesday and have expelled the militants from major parts of the restive district including its main bazaar, the statement said.

According to the statement, the operations would last until the area is cleansed of militants.

Taliban militants have yet to make a comment on the situation.