Afghan conflict leaves 18 insurgents dead within 24 hours

KABUL, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Up to 18 armed militants have been killed and nine others wounded during series of Afghan security forces operations in the restive provinces over the past 24 hours, Afghan Defense Ministry said in a statement released here on Saturday.

"Afghan security forces have conducted 16 clean-up operations and 14 special operations across the country over the past 24 hours, killing 18 insurgents and injuring 14 others," the statement said, adding that two more militants have been arrested during the operations.

Security forces also destroyed a vehicle and eight motorbikes used by militants, the statement noted, without disclosing casualties of security forces.

Taliban militants have yet to make comment about the report.