KABUL, May 12 (Reuters) - Western and Afghan troops have driven out the Taliban from a southern area after a week-long battle in which more than 70 militants have been killed, an Afghan security official said on Saturday. Violence has surged in recent months in Afghanistan after the traditional winter lull and following last year's bloodiest fighting since the Taliban's ouster in 2001. There were no casualties among the Afghan and Western troops in the fighting in Nahri Saraj of Helmand province, scene of a series of operations by foreign-led forces in recent weeks, the security official said. Five Taliban commanders were amongst those killed, the official said, adding there were no casualties among civilians. "We have driven out the Taliban from the district and it is under our control," he said. Foreign troops led by the U.S. military and NATO as well as the Taliban could not be immediately contacted for comment about the battle. Nahri Saraj lies some 25 kms (15 miles) from Sangin district where witnesses said more than 40 civilians were killed last Tuesday in an air strike by U.S.-led coalition troops. The coalition has confirmed civilian casualties in the battle of Sangin.
