Afghan troops recapture district from militants

KABUL, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Afghan troops regained the control of a district in the southern Helmand province, a statement of Afghan Defense Ministry said Sunday.

"Nawzad was liberated from the clutch of rebels at 02:00 p.m. local time (0930 GMT) today and the national flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was hoisted there," the brief statement said.

Early last month troops had restored government control in Khanshin district.

Over ten districts are said to be out of government control in the militancy-hit southern region.

The Afghan government with the support of international forces has decided to restore government authorities in all districts and areas held by Taliban insurgents ahead of the Aug. 20 elections.