29 militants killed in Afghan military operations

The Afghan Defense Ministry said on Friday in Kabul that that 29 militants have been killed during military operations conducted by Afghan security forces in 17 of the country’s 34 provinces within last 24 hours. The ministry said in a statement that provides daily operational updates that 40 militants were wounded and five suspected militants were detained in the raids. It said the army launched the raids in close coordination with police and personnel of national intelligence agency. The updates noted that joint forces also seized weapons and ammunition besides defusing several landmines planted recently by the militants. It added that the security forces also confiscated two vehicles and eight motorbikes. The Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations against militants since early April after Taliban militants started their so-called annual spring offensive and step up attacks across the country. The statement also confirmed the loss of three army personnel during clashes across the country over the same period. The Taliban has yet to make comments.