43 militants killed in clashes, airstrikes in Afghanistan

A total of 43 militants have been killed in military operations conducted by Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) since early Friday, the country's defense ministry said on Saturday.

"The ANSF was supported by army artillery and air force during the military and cleanup operations conducted in 17 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces over the past 24 hours. And up to 15 militants were also wounded and 13 others were detained by ANSF," the ministry said in a statement providing daily operational updates.

Those killed included six foreign militants, the statement said, without disclosing the nationalities of the killed.

One militant of the Islamic State (IS) was killed and three others were wounded during the raids after the air force conducted an airstrike in Bati Kot district, eastern Nangarhar province, the statement said.

The statement also confirmed loss of seven Afghan army personnel in the same period.

The Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations against militants since mid-April when the Taliban started a so-called annual spring offensive code named Operation Omari and step up attacks across the country.

The Taliban has yet to make comments.

Source: XINHUA