By Saifullah Maftoon
A commander was among 10 Taliban militants killed during a public uprising in the Andar district of southern Ghazni province, an official said on Tuesday.
Over the past two months, angry residents began armed resistance against rebels after the forcible closure of schools and bazaars -- provoking anger among the people of Andar.
The governor's spokesman, Sabawoon, told Pajhwok Afghan News the insurgents, including a commander, died in the clash in the Painda Mohammad area late on Monday.
Residents also unearthed a large cache of heavy and light weapons belonging to the rebels. In the clash at about 6pm, Afghan troops also joined the people against the fighters, increasing rebels' casualties, he said.
Resident Taj Mohammad said the fight erupted when the militants came to the area to seize some civilians. He added: "Residents of the area are in trenches and they will not allow anyone to arrest or kill civilians.''
He added the clash was going on in several areas of the district since late last night. Only two motorbikes and weapons were found at the scene this morning.
Elsewhere, two mine planters were killed as the explosives they were planting went off prematurely in the Ahangaran area of Ghazni City on Tuesday morning, said Amir Shah Sadat, the intelligence director.