53 killed during military operations in Afghanistan

Some 50 militants and three soldiers had been killed during military operations across Afghanistan within one day, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

"About 50 militants, including 46 Islamic State (IS) militants, have been killed, 26 wounded and one militant was detained as Afghan army, police and intelligence agency personnel launched several cleanup and military operations throughout Afghanistan over the past 24 hours," the ministry said in a statement.

The joint forces also found weapons and defused several roadside bombs and landmines during the raids in six of the country's 34 provinces, the statement that provides daily operational updates added.

The statement also confirmed loss of three soldiers over the same period.

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 militants group has yet to make comments.