KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Seven militants including key commander Qari Wasim were killed as fighting aircraft targeted Taliban positions in Afghanistan's Khan Abad district of northern Kunduz province on Sunday, provincial government spokesman Esmatullah Muradi said.

"Acting on intelligence reports, the fighting aircraft attacked Taliban positions in Malarghi and Bagh-e-Miri areas of the restive Khan Abad district this morning, killing seven rebels including infamous commander Qari Wasim on the spot and injuring five others," Esmatullah told Xinhua.

Describing Qari Wasim as eminent commander, the official said that the death of the commander would prove a major blow to the Taliban armed insurgents in Kunduz and adjoining provinces of Takhar and Baghlan.

Taliban militants who are in control of parts of Kunduz province have not commented on the report.