Security forces kill 7 rebels in north Afghanistan

At least seven armed Taliban rebels were killed and six others wounded during an operation by Afghan National Army (ANA) in northern Kunduz province of Afghanistan, said officials on Wednesday.The provincial police Chief, Brig. Gen. Mustafa Mohseni in a statement, said police and intelligence operatives conducted a search operation in various parts of Chahar Dara area killing seven rebels including a local leader, named Shirin Agha Alikhel.Nine villages were cleared of insurgents as a result of the offensive, he added.The police Chief confirmed the loss of an army soldier and a policeman and injuries to three other security personnel.Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the fighters had killed 19 security personnel, said local media reports.The operation came prior to the April 5 presidential elections that will choose the president to lead Afghanistan as NATO/ISAF forces prepare to leave the country by the end of the year.