MAIMANA, Afghanistan, June 24 (Xinhua) -- At least six militants were killed as Afghan government forces aircrafts pounded Taliban hideouts in Khawja Sabzposh district of the northern Faryab province on Saturday, an army spokesman in the northern region Mohammad Hanif Rezai said Sunday.

The militants, according to the official, were planning to attack security forces' checkpoints in Qashuri area of Khawja Sabzposh district, but the government forces' warplanes in a preemptive action struck the Taliban hideouts, killing six fighters on the spot and injuring another.

Taliban militants who are in control of parts of Faryab province and threatening the provincial capital Maimana are yet to make comment.