Afghan security forces kill 12 militants within day

The Afghan security forces have killed one dozen militants in the latest operations, the country's Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

"Afghan army, police and personnel of intelligence agency carried out several cleanup and military operations within the past 24 hours, killing 12 armed militants and wounding 23 others," the ministry said in a statement.

The joint forces also found and seized weapons during the raids launched in 11 of the country's 34 provinces, the statement said, without adding if there were any casualties on the side of the security forces.

In one operation, eight militants had been killed and 13 others wounded after security forces cleared areas on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah city, capital of southern Helmand province, according to the statement.

Helmand, notorious for poppy growing and militancy, has been the scene of heavy clashes between security forces and militants over the past months.

The Afghan security forces have stepped up security operations against militants recently as the militants have been attempting to take territory and consolidate their positions ahead of winter in the mountainous country.

The Taliban insurgent group, which has been waging an insurgency of more than one decade, has yet to make comments. Endit