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22 militants killed in Afghan army airstrikes

Xinhua, January 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

Some 22 militants have been killed after Afghan army's helicopters pounded their positions in two of the country's 34 provinces, the Afghan Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"The army gunship helicopters struck positions of Islamic State (IS) affiliated militants in surrounding areas of Achin district on Monday, killing 18 IS fighters and destroying one heavy machinegun," the ministry said in a statement.

The mountainous district, which is also a known IS stronghold, has been the scene of heavy clashes between IS militants and security forces since early last year.

In addition, four Taliban militants were killed and their vehicle was destroyed in a similar raid in Yakhchal locality of Gereshk district in the country's southern province of Helmand Monday, according to a separate statement by the ministry.

Afghan security forces have pressed on clearing the militants in restive provinces as Taliban militants have been attempting to take territory and consolidate their positions during the winter in the Central Asian country.

The militant groups have yet to make comments. Enditem