MAIMANA, Afghanistan, March 26 (Xinhua) -- At least five militants have been killed and nine others injured as a clash erupted between security forces and Taliban militants in Pashtun Kot district of northern Afghanistan's Faryab province, provincial police spokesman Abdul Karim Yurush said Monday.

The security forces, according to the official, launched major offensive against militants' hideouts in Kata Qala locality of Pashtun Kot district late Sunday night and so far, five insurgents have been killed and nine others sustained injuries.

Without commenting on possible casualties of security personnel the official asserted that the operations would last until the area is free of insurgents.

Taliban militants who are active in parts of the restive Faryab province haven't commented.