MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 militants have been killed and 20 others injured as government forces aircrafts pounded Taliban hideouts in Charbolak and Balkh districts of Afghanistan's northern Balkh province over the past 24 hours, army spokesman in the northern region Mohammad Hanif Rezai said Tuesday.

Speaking via telephone from the provincial capital Mazar-e-Sharif, Rezai said three more militants had been arrested.

The operations, supported by ground troops, would last until the area is cleansed of the insurgents, he said.

Taliban militants have not commented.