Security forces killed a key Taliban commander Mullah Daud in the militancy-ridden Kunduz province in north Afghanistan on Thursday, provincial governor Mohammad Omar said.

"Afghan and the U.S. Special forces carried out an operation at 01:00 a.m. local time today and as a result Taliban key commander Mullah Daud along with one of his bodyguards was killed," Omar told Xinhua.

Four more Taliban fighters were arrested during the brief operation, the governor further said.

Mullah Daud, according to the governor has been appointed as district chief of Chardara district by Taliban leadership after killing Mullah Silab weeks ago.

Taliban militants have not made comment.

Kunduz province particularly Chardara district has been the scene of increasing Taliban militants' activities over the past eight months.