Some 70 Taliban insurgents have been killed since the military offensive launched in Helmand province, south of Afghanistan, Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman Zahir Azimi said Sunday.

"Since the beginning of the operation on July 2, so far 70 rebels have been killed and several others sustained injuries," Azimi told a news conference here.

Involving nearly 5,000 Afghan and U.S. Marines, the offensive was dubbed "Khanjar" which means "Strike of Sword" with the objective to restore the government's control in Taliban-held territories and so far, Khanshin district has been regained.

Azimi added that cleanup operations are going on in parts of Khanshin, Garmsir and Nahri Saraj districts.

The militants largely rely on mines to slow down troops' onslaught, the spokesman said, adding that roadside bombings have claimed the lives of some security personnel.

It is said that the government does not exist in districts of Bagran, Dishu and Washir of Helmand province.

Taliban fighters who have vowed to defend their positions and disrupt the coming presidential polls set for August 20 have not made any comment.

(Xinhua News Agency July 12, 2009)