Afghanistan ? Fighting between Afghan forces and Taliban militants in a volatile southern province Thursday killed at least 28 militants, officials said.

The Afghan army and police carried out a joint operation in the Gereshk district of Helmand province, said Sher Mohammad Karimi, the Defense Ministry’s chief of operations. Ministry spokesman Mohammad Zahir Azimi said 28 Taliban were killed.

The two officials said no NATO or U.S. forces were involved.

Officials in Helmand province gave a higher death toll.

The deputy provincial police chief, Mohammad Eisah Khan, said 40 Taliban and three police had been killed, while the Gereshk district chief said 38 Taliban had been killed. Khan said 10 Taliban had been arrested. The fighting took place on a remote battle site and none of the numbers could be independently confirmed.