MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Eight militants were killed and five others injured as government forces launched operations in Chamtal district of Afghanistan's northern Balkh province, army spokesman Mohammad Hanif Rezai said Thursday.

The government forces, according to the official, launched the operations in Baba Qushqar and Yangi Qala areas of Chamtal district Wednesday afternoon.

The official added that the operations would last for a few days.

Taliban militants haven't commented yet.