53 militants killed in fresh military operations in Afghanistan

The Afghan security forces killed 53 militants during separate military operations since early Monday, the Afghan Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"A total of 81 armed militants were wounded and three suspected militants detained during the operations conducted by Afghan army, police and intelligence agency personnel in 18 of the Afghanistan' s 34 provinces within the last 24 hours," the ministry said in a statement providing daily operational updates.

The joint forces also seized weapons and defused several roadside bombs and landmines, according to the statement.

The statement also confirmed loss of nine army personnel as a result of clashes and separate attacks over the same period.

The Taliban-led violence continues in Afghanistan. Security forces have pressed on to clear the militants in restive provinces.

The Taliban responds by bombing and armed attacks.

Earlier on Tuesday, one Afghan border police officer was killed and five policemen wounded after their vehicle was struck by a roadside bombing in Ali Sher district of eastern Khost province, district Governor Jawid Joshan told Xinhua.

(APD)