FARAH, Afghanistan, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan government forces managed to retake a district which was captured by the Taliban militants days ago in Afghanistan's western Farah province, a provincial police spokesman said on Friday.

Afghan security and defense forces, backed by warplanes, launched special operations late Thursday night, recapturing Anardara district of the province after hours of fighting, forcing militants to flee, spokesman Mohibullah Mohib added.

According to the spokesman, 16 armed militants were killed during the overnight operations.

Taliban militants who have stepped up activities have not commented on the report.