PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Afghan forces in a surprise move had captured a Taliban base in Baghlan-e-Markazi district of northern Baghlan province and set free 44 detainees, district governor Khanzada Mazlomyar said Tuesday.

The operations, according to the official, were launched in the wee hours of Tuesday in Larkhabia area of Baghlan-e-Markazi district and the troops, besides smashing the base, also freed 44 inmates including security personnel and civilians.

Meantime, Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi had confirmed the achievement and said that 17 of the detainees were civilians and the remaining were personnel of security forces.

Taliban militants who are active in parts of northern Baghlan province with Pul-e-Khumri as its capital are yet to make comments.