QALAT, Afghanistan, July 22 (Xinhua) -- At least eight militants have been killed and 13 others injured after Afghan security forces launched cleanup operations in Daychopan district of southern Zabul province on Sunday, an army spokesman in the southern region Sediq Eisa said Monday.

The crackdown, according to the official, kicked off Sunday afternoon in parts of the restive district and so far, eight armed insurgents have been killed and 13 others wounded.

According to the official, the mop-up would last until the area is cleared of the armed militants.

Taliban militants who are active in parts of the relatively violent Zabul province have yet to make comment.