Three key Taliban commanders were killed as troops stormed their hideouts in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan, a press release issued by provincial administration said on Sunday.

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"The cleanup operation was launched by international troops in Arghandab district Saturday night as a result three key Taliban commanders namely Mullah Manan, Mullah Bilal and Mullah Shafiullah were killed," the press release said.

Four more Taliban fighters were injured in the operation, it added.

Taliban militants have yet to make comment.

Kandahar, known as the birthplace of Taliban, has been the scene of increasing Taliban-led insurgency over the past couple of years.