TALUQAN, Afghanistan, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- A total of 18 militants have been killed as fighting aircraft targeted Taliban positions in parts of beleaguered Eshkamish district in the northern Takhar province, provincial governor's spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hajari said Wednesday.

Ten more insurgents have been injured in the sorties launched late Tuesday night, the official added.

The government forces would continue to target the insurgents' hideouts from the ground and air to annihilate the enemies' activities, Hajari said, adding the security forces have evicted militants from several villages in the restive Eshkamish district.

Taliban militants have not commented.