2 soldiers martyred, 26 insurgents killed in Afghanistan

Two soldiers have embraced martyrdom while 26 insurgents killed during separate military operations across the Afghanistan in past 24 hours, according to information released this morning.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defense two soldiers from Afghan National Army embraced martyrdom due to bomb blast and insurgent fires.
The statement does not contain information about the exact location on the incidents, according to the Afghan (Khaama Press).
Also, 26 insurgents were killed during separate security forces operations in eight provinces in past 24 hours, according to local officials in Kandahar and Ministry of Interior statement.
Security forces also destroyed 38 hectares of poppy field in Rigo area of Panjwai District of Kandahar province, local officials add.
Some 90 percent of the raw material used in manufacturing heroin is reportedly supplied to the world by the conflict-ridden Afghanistan.
At least 36 different types of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were also discovered and defused by the security forces in past 24 hours, according to the statements.
IEDs are considered one of the biggest threats to security forces as well as civilians in Afghanistan.
According to a UN report civilian casualties topped 10,000 last year mainly because of IEDs explosions and ground engagements. The number is also the highest recorded by the UN since 2007 when it started tracking civilian casualties in Afghanistan.