As the joint U.S.-Afghan military operation entered its sixth day, over two dozen insurgents were killed in a single day Tuesday in the troubled Helmand province, commander of Afghan 205th Corps in the southern region said.

"During cleanup operation in Spin Masjid area of Gereshk district, 27 rebels have been killed today," General Shir Mohammad Zazi told Xinhua.

Huge quantity of arms and ammunition has also been captured by the troops during the operation, he contended.

The military official said that operation which began in the neighboring Garmsir district on Monday is going on without resistance.

"Cleanup operations are continuing in the districts of Khanshinand Nawa smoothly and the troops facing no resistance," Zazi stressed.

Taliban militants have yet to make comment.

The operation Khanjar or Strike with Sword was launched in July2 with the involvement of nearly 5,000 Afghan troops and U.S. Marines covers the districts held by Taliban militants.

Afghan government announced it would restore its authority in all areas from Taliban militants before the August 20 election in order to facilitate all the eligible people to use their franchise in a peaceful environment.

Source: Xinhua