In this March 2, 2020 photo, Afghan Taliban members and villagers attend a gathering as they celebrate the peace deal and their victory in the Afghan conflict on US in Afghanistan, in Alingar district of Laghman province. (NOORULLAH SHIRZADA / AFP)

TALUQAN, Afghanistan - A Taliban commander and his bodyguard were killed after the group's plan to attack Baharak district in the northern Takhar province was foiled, provincial government spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hajari said Tuesday.

The physical elimination of commander Qari Ansarullah Gajar could prove a major blow to the Taliban fighters in Takhar and adjoining areas

"A large number of Taliban rebels under notorious commander Qari Ansarullah Gajar were planning to storm the headquarters of Baharak district on Monday night, but security forces ambushed the Taliban convoy killing the commander and his bodyguard, forcing the fighters to disperse," Hajari told Xinhua.

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Three Taliban fighters and two security personnel were wounded in the firefight which lasted for a while, the spokesman said.

The physical elimination of commander Gajar could prove a major blow to the Taliban fighters in Takhar and adjoining areas, he added.

The Taliban group has not made comment on the report.