Three Taliban insurgents were killed and four others injured during several coordinated clearing operations conducted by the Afghan National Army (ANA), Afghan National Police (ANP) and National Directorate of Security (NDS) in northern Jowzjan province on Tuesday, local officials said.

The operations are ongoing, reportedly with no casualties yet incurred by the Afghan forces.

"The operations were launched in the Qushtipa and Darz Aab districts to clear the areas from insurgents," said Faqeer Mohammad Jowzjani, the Provincial Police Chief.

The Taliban has not yet commented on operations or the reported casualties.

The operation in Jowzjan was launched separately, though simultaneous to, the clearing operation begun in Chapa Dara district of eastern Kunar province early Wednesday morning. In the Kunar operation, one Afghan soldier was reportedly injured.

The Afghan security forces have intensified their military operations across the country in recent months as the security transition with coalition forces moves forward and preparations for the spring elections kick into high gear.