Kabul, Aug 4 (Xinhua) Fifteen militants were killed in fighting with the security forces in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province Tuesday, the Afghan Army said.

'Troops conducted a commando operation in Marja village of Nadali district Tuesday morning, as a result 15 insurgents were killed and eight others were captured,' a military official said.

Helmand province has been the scene of violence since the security forces launched a major operation against the Taliban in July.

Taliban fighters have intensified attacks against the government ahead of the Aug 20 presidential elections.