KABUL, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan National Army (ANA) arrested 22 suspected militants in Taliban's former stronghold of southern Afghan province Kandahar on Saturday, a press release of the Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

    "In Jalai district of Kandahar province, 22 suspected militants including one wounded man were arrested by ANA on March 21," the press release said.

    It noted that the wounded man, who believed to be a famous militants figure, was handed over to the department of National Security Directorate in Kandahar for investigation.

    "Over 21 assault rifles, including AK- 47 assault rifles and three RPGs (Rocket Propelled Grenade) were found on their possession," it added.

    Southern Afghanistan, known as the hot-bed of Taliban militants, has been the scene of spiraling militancy and conflicts over the past couple of years.

    Security incidents, which claimed the lives of 5,000 people in 2008, are expected to go up this year in the post-Taliban country.