23 militants killed in Afghan army operations within day: ministry

Up to 23 militants have been killed in Afghan army operations within the last 24 hours, the country's Defense Ministry said on Wednesday morning.

"Afghan National Army (ANA) conducted several raids in Kandahar, Kunduz and Kapisa provinces, killing 23 militants, and wounding 25 others, over the past 24 hours," the ministry said in a statement providing daily operational updates.

Two ANA soldiers lost their lives during security operations over the same period, the statement said, adding "the army personnel also defused 10 landmines and roadside bombs and seized weapons and ammunition during operations since early Tuesday."

The Taliban militant group has yet to make comments.

Afghan security forces have pressed on clearing the militants in restive provinces as they assumed the full security charges from NATO-led troops earlier this month. Endi