KABUL, May 27 (Xinhua) -- At least eight insurgents have been killed and 13 others injured in the southern Zabul province over the past 24 hours, said a statement of 205 Atal Corps stationed in the southern region released on Sunday.

The government forces, according to the statement, launched cleanup operations in Dai Chopan district of Zabul province on Saturday and besides inflicting casualties on the insurgents, also ejected them from several villages.

Taliban militants who have stepped up activities since launching their annual spring offensive in April, have yet to make comments.