Kabul  - NATO military commanders said Friday an offensive to clear Taliban fighters from Kandahar city and Arghandab district had successfully restored government control and calm to the region.

A military statement said commanders in the area reported that population was secure and the insurgents appeared to have retreated from the zone.

"In Kandahar city, Afghan security forces and ISAF troops are ensuring security in southern Kandahar city and protecting against potential terrorist attacks," said the statement.

In Arghandab district, Afghan army and International Security Assistance Force troops continued clearing operations to allow civilians to return to their homes and properties, which they had been forced by the insurgents to leave, it said.

"Kandahar City continues to enjoy relative calm. As Afghan and ISAF troops patrol the streets and set up check points, citizens are going about their normal daily business unhindered," said Major General Marc Lessard, Regional Command (South) commander.

Officials claimed at least 56 Taliban insurgents were killed and dozens more were wounded as NATO and Afghan forces drove out militants who had recently infiltrated several villages in the southern province of Kandahar.

More than 1,000 Afghan army forces and some 300 NATO-led Canadian forces launched an offensive in the area on Wednesday morning, while the alliance warplanes bombed rebel targets.

"More than 56 militants were killed and several others were wounded," General Zahir Azimi, defence ministry spokesman, told a press conference in Kabul. He said most of the dead rebels were foreign fighters.

More than 600 Taliban took over villages Sunday night in Arghandab district, posing a threat to Kandahar city about 20 kilometres to the south.

Azimi earlier said the district "is totally cleared of the Taliban," but noted the area was strewn with mines planted by the insurgents.

The latest operation also followed a rebel attack on Kandahar city's main prison one week ago that freed about 900 inmates including 400 Taliban militants. (dpa)