Forty Taliban rebels laid down their arms and surrendered to the Afghan government force, a state- run newspaper said on Sunday.

"The former militants are from the western Farah and Ghor provinces,"daily Anis said, adding that the militants' surrender is taking place in the wake of Taliban's aggressive attacks in the western region as the insurgents overrun a number of districts in Farah province but lost to the government force in heavy clashes last week.

Four group commanders namely Mullah Abdul Hakim, Mullah Toor Jan, Mullah Haider and Mullah Khan Agha were among the former militants who give up resistance under a government-initiated Strengthening Peace Program.

Under the program launched two years ago to encourage national reconciliation, some 1,500 militants have given up resistance and resumed their normal life, according to officials.

Source: Xinhua