Afghan security force members embrace each other after a military operation in Chimtal district of northern Balkh province, Afghanistan, July 9, 2017. At least 69 armed militants were killed and 39 others injured amid operations launched by Afghan security forces within the last 24 hours, said the Defense Ministry on Monday.(Xinhua/Yaqoub Azorda)
KABUL, July 10 (Xinhua) -- At least 69 armed militants were killed and 39 others injured amid operations launched by Afghan security forces within the last 24 hours, said the Defense Ministry on Monday.
"Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched offensives in different provinces, killing 69 armed insurgents, including nine Islamic State (IS) fighters, and injured 39 others," the ministry said in a statement.
Four militants were captured during the raids, which were launched in Nangarhar, Kapisa, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Logar, Kandahar, Zabul, Farah, Badghis, Kunduz, Faryab, Balkh, Takhar and Helmand provinces, the statement added.
The Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations against militants recently as war-weary Afghans have been witnessing a surge in attacks by Taliban fighters and Islamic State (IS) affiliates across the country.
