According to the official, the ground forces, backed by fighting planes, struck Taliban hideouts in Shahjoy district over the 24 hours killing 15 fighters and wounding four others.

A weapon cache of the insurgents has also been destroyed during the raids, the official said.

No security personnel or civilian have been hurt, Sayal said, adding the operations would last until the area is cleared of the militants.

The Taliban outfit has not made comments yet.