Afghan forces backed by the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) killed two militants including a senior Taliban official in eastern Kunar province on Friday, the alliance confirmed on Saturday.

"An Afghan and coalition security force killed Darah-ye Pech district's highest-ranking Taliban official, Hajji Matin, and one other insurgent during an operation in Darah-ye Pech district, Kunar province, yesterday," the statement released here said.

Matin was involved in a number of significant insurgency operations and was personally responsible for moving insurgent fighters into Afghanistan and directing their activities in Kunar province.

Kunar which borders Pakistan's tribal areas has been regarded as a stronghold of Taliban militants.