<p><a href="/en/afganistan/kabul" class="glossify-link">KABUL</a> insurgents were killed in a nighttime operation by the Afghan Special Forces in southern Helmand province, the spy service said on Saturday.</p>
<p>Another 18 militants were captured alive, including three notorious commanders Qari Saifullah, Qari Jan Alam and Fazel in the Special Forces unit operation, the National Directorate of Security (<a href="/en/nds" class="glossify-link">NDS</a>) said in a statement.</p>
<p>The statement said the offensive targeted a militant hideout in Garamser district, but provided no exact date and timing.</p>
<p>The statement claimed 12 pick-up vehicles, 14 Humvee, five other vehicles and 26 motorbikes were destroyed in the operation.</p>
<p>Six weapons, 500 kilograms of explosives, five wiki-talkies, 40 landmines and thousands of bullets and other ammunition were also destroyed.</p>
<p>sa/ma</p>
