Afghan and the NATO-led troops have killed over a dozen Taliban fighters in Kandahar province south of Afghanistan during an operation launced Friday, a private television channel reported Saturday.

"In the joint operation of Afghan and Coalition forces launched on Friday in Jalai district, so far 18 rebels have been killed," Tolo reported in its news bulletin.

Quoting police officials in Kandahar, the television also added that one police constable had been killed.

It further said that operation would continue until the area is cleaned up of the insurgents.

Taliban fighters have not made comment.