26 militants killed in Afghan forces' operations within 24 hours

KABUL, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Up to 26 armed insurgents have been killed and 16 injured since Afghan security forces launched operations across the country over the past 24 hours, the defense ministry said Saturday.

"The joint Afghan security forces also detained three suspected militants and those among the killed militants were 13 Islamic State fighters," the ministry said in a statement.

They also seized weapons and defused several roadside bombs and landmines planted by the militants, the statement added.

Afghan security forces and the NATO-led coalition troops have beefed up security operations and airstrikes as Taliban militants and Islamic State fighters are attempting to take territory and consolidate their positions during the winter in the mountainous country.

The militants responded by armed attacks and bombings.

On Friday night, five police personnel were killed and five others wounded after Taliban attacked police checkpoints in Imam Sahib district, northern Kunduz province, district administrative Chief Mahbubullah Sayyedi told Xinhua. Enditem