Nine Taliban fighters, including two commanders, were killed as security forces stormed their hideout in Kandahar province, south of Afghanistan, Zalmai Ayubi, spokesman for provincial administration, said Saturday.

"Afghan and international troops jointly raided a Taliban hideout in Mianshin district late Friday night. As a result two Taliban commanders, namely Mullah Rahim and Mullah Bashir, along with seven armed rebels, were killed," Ayubi told reporters here.

There were no casualties on the troops and civilians, he said.

Kandahar, the birthplace of Taliban militants, has been the scene of increasing militancy over the past couple of years.

A joint operation involving Afghan and NATO-led troops has been continuing in parts of Kandahar since early September to ensure lasting peace there.