Kabul - Afghan security forces killed a key Taliban commander in northern part of Afghanistan while another insurgent was killed in Kapisa province, officials said on Saturday.

The Interior Ministry said a Taliban commander identified as Mullah Usman was killed during an operation conducted by Afghan forces in Kalafgan district of northern Takhar province late Friday.

"Mullah Usman was killed when militants under his command attacked a police checkpoint in Kalafgan district last night," said the ministry statement.

It said Mullah Usman's body was with police in a local hospital and he was the most senior Taliban commander in the northeast region of Afghanistan. Taliban militants had no immediate comment.

A US military statement said Saturday a militant was killed and several explosive devices were neutralized Friday during a Coalition forces operation in Kapisa Province,

"Coalition forces searched several compounds in Tagab district targeting a militant suspected of facilitating foreign-fighter operations in the area," it added.

During the search, an armed militant threatened Coalition forces, who responded with small-arms fire, killing the militant, it said.

According to the release, Coalition forces discovered several rigged explosive devices and grenades which were safely detonated. (dpa)