The attack erupted as hundreds of Taliban militants armed with guns and heavy weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades, attacked Sherzad district while trying to capture the suburban district in the southeast of Nangarhar, provincial government spokesman Attahullah Khogiani told Xinhua news agency.
Among the killed militants were three Taliban's divisional commanders, said the statement.
Since the withdrawal officially began on May 1, the Taliban have intensified attacks on provincial capitals, districts, bases and checkpoints.
Reportedly built in the sixth century, the destruction of the 55-meter-tall and 38-meter-tall statues by the Taliban militants in March 2001 has been condemned globally.
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.
"Zain-Alabadin was a notorious terrorist who was behind terror attacks in Laghman and neighbouring Nangarhar province," the statement added.
Those among the killed militants were Ezatullah, known as Hamza, one of the outfit key local commanders and two of his close subordinates, according to the statement.
Three hijacked military vehicles were also destroyed in the strike, the official added, without mentioning whether the strike was conducted by Afghan Air Force or NATO-led coalition forces.
The ongoing operations against the Taliban in Dand-e-Ghori would last until the area was cleansed of the insurgents, police chief Ekramudin Sari said.
At least 12 police personnel have been killed in clashes with Taliban militants in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province, an official said…
