Afghan security forces have launched a large-scale operation to re-take Nawa district of Helmand province after the Taliban seized control of the area nine months ago, local officials said Saturday.

Omar Zowak, the provincial governor’s spokesman, said the operation kicked off on Saturday morning and that troops are moving in from three different directions.

Since the launch of the operation, 12 Taliban insurgents have been killed, Zowak said.

Two policemen were wounded, Zowad added.

Nawa district is located about 15km from Lashkargah city and collapsed to the Taliban nine months ago.