GHAZNI, Afghanistan, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 militants have been killed and 18 others captured alive as the government forces pounded Taliban hideouts in parts of the restive province, provincial government spokesman Aref Nuri said Wednesday.

The government forces, according to the official, targeted Taliban hideouts from ground and air in several villages of Khogiani district over the past 24 hours, leaving a dozen insurgents dead and wounding four others.

All the captured 18 suspected insurgents have been taken to Kabul for investigation, the official said.

Taliban militants haven't commented on the report.