At least 21 Taliban militants are reported to have been killed in the southern Afghan province of Helmand, where Afghan and NATO-led coalition forces are continuing their military operations.

The latest attacks in the Gereshk and neighboring Marja districts left four others injured, including three local Taliban leaders.  In the country's northern Jawzjan province, nine Taliban militants surrendered to police. The militants were involved in anti-government activities in the Khawja Dako and Dasht-e-Laili areas over the past seven years. Officials say more militants are expected to surrender in the future. The Taliban have not commented so far.