MAIMANA, Afghanistan, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Up to 143 insurgence, including nine commanders, have been killed and 17 others wounded during the Afghan army airstrikes in the northern Faryab province, said a statement released by the Afghan Army on Tuesday.

The security forces launched airstrikes on Taliban positions in Khairabad, Qudughak, Qarugh, lash, Chashma-e-Sangin areas of Kohistanat district, as well as in the neighboring Qaisar and Shirin Tagab districts Monday night, killing 143 insurgents and injuring 17 others, the statement said.

Kohistanat district was captured by Taliban militants on Sunday and since then the government forces have been fighting to regain control.

Some of Taliban's commanders, including Mullah Abdul Rahim, Mullah Yosuf, Zabehullah, Mullah Salam and Sayed Ismail, are among those killed in the air raids, the statement noted without providing information on possible casualties of security forces. Militants loyal to the Taliban outfit have not commented.

Taliban militants who have intensified activities since late April and have captured at least three districts over the past week.