PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Afghan forces evicted Taliban fighters from several villages in Dand-e-Ghori area outside Pul-e-Khumri, the capital of northern Baghlan province, provincial police chief Ekramudin Sari said Thursday.

"The security forces have recaptured several villages including the main base of Taliban rebels in Dand-e-Ghori area over the past four days, besides killing 16 insurgents and injuring 19 others," Sari told Xinhua.

Dand-e-Ghori was captured by Taliban two years ago and since then has been regarded as Taliban stronghold in the northern Baghlan province.

The ongoing operations against Taliban outfit in Dand-e-Ghori would last until the area is cleansed of the insurgents, the provincial police chief said.

Taliban militants are yet to make comment on the development.