first Islamist casaulties of the Taliban's "Tet Offensive"?

KABUL, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Afghan and NATO forces eliminated eight Taliban militants and detained another during operations in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province and southern Zabul province over the past 24 hours, Afghan Defense Ministry said in a press release on Saturday.

The press release said that the Afghan Special Forces backed by international troops launched a cleanup operation in restive Chardara district of Kunduz province Friday, killing six militants.

"Six roadside bombs planted by militants were found and defused by join forces," it said.

The second operation was launched by combined forces in Shah Joi district of southern Zabul province and the gunshots left two militants dead, according to the press release.

"A suspected man believed to be involved in several roadside bombings and organizing subversive activities in Shah Joi was also arrested during the operation," it further said.

Taliban militants, who were ousted from power in a U.S.-led international military campaign in late 2001, have yet to make comments.

Conflicts and Taliban-linked insurgency is predicted to go up this year. On Saturday, the hardliner militia claimed in a statement released to media from undisclosed locations that the outfit is to launch a new offensive dubbed Al-Faath or victory against Afghan and international forces on May 10.

Editor: Xiong Tong

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-05/08/c_13283355.htm