Afghan troops, during operation against Taliban militants in northern Kunduz province, eliminated their commander and detained three militants, a local newspaper reported Thursday. "A Taliban commander called Mullah Zabihullah was killed and three of his armed were arrested," Daily Afghanistan reported.

Quoting the provincial governor Mohammad Omar, the newspaper added that security forces raided Taliban hideout in Chardara district Wednesday night as a result Mullah Zabihullah was killed and three of his men were caught.

The governor, according to newspaper, also said that major cleanup operation would be launched against Taliban militants in Kunduz province.

Taliban militants have yet to make comment.

Kunduz, which used to be a relatively peaceful province until early last year, has been the scene of increasing militancy over the past several months.