The operations were carried out by special forces of the Afghan intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), in eastern Nangarhar province, local Khaama Press reported.

Along with the deceased, eight others were arrested.

Several Taliban leaders have been killed during the operations.

According to a government statement, the leaders have been identified as Irshad, Shamali, Qari Janat, Saqib and Afridi.

The statement added that the militants were planning to execute a coordinated attack in Momand Dara and Bati Kot districts of the province.

"The Afghan forces have also confiscated and destroyed 5 PKM machine guns, 4 rocket launchers, 9 Ak-47 rifles, 8 communication sets, 20 rockets, 9 landmines, 100 meters of power line, ammunition of PKM machine gun and several other types of the explosives, the governor’s office added," the Khaama Press report read.

The Taliban is yet to issue a statement regarding the news.

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