Afghan government forces backed by NATO troops on Monday regained the control of Garmsir district in the troubled southern Helmand province after heavy fighting, provincial police Chief Mohammad Nabi Mullahkhil said.

"Afghan and NATO forces launched a big operation against Taliban militias in Garmsir to recapture the district and finally they regained it Monday morning after dislodging militants," Mullahkhil told Xinhua.

He also said that 20 militants were killed in the operation but declined to say if there were any casualties on the government troops.

However, he confirmed that air power was also used against the rebels during the operation.

"Operation is still continuing to clean up completely the district from the enemies of Afghanistan," Mullahkhil added.

The Taliban-linked militias overrun the districts of Garmsir and Arghandab in Helmand and Zabul provinces respectively last Thursday.

However, Mullahkhil did not say if the government has taken any step to re-establish control over Arghandab district.

Some two months ago, Taliban militants also captured Garmsir and Nawa districts briefly, but the government forces regained their control after heavy fighting.

Source: Xinhua