KABUL, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Afghan troops launched an operation against anti-government militants in the country's militancy-plagued southern Helmand province on Saturday, killing 11 suspected insurgents, a statement of Defense Ministry released here Sunday said.

    Afghan government forces backed by police and intelligence service eliminated 11 enemies of peace and security in Babaji area close to the provincial capital Lashkargah on Saturday, the statement added.

    A number of assault rifles and three motorcycles were also recovered from the possession of the insurgents.

    However, it did not say if there were any casualties on Afghan security forces.

    Both Afghan and NATO forces launched massive operations against Taliban fighters and associated militants in north of Helmand province early this month.

    More than 600 people have been killed in the ongoing insurgency and conflicts in Afghanistan so far this year.