42 militants killed in Afghanistan operations

At least 42 Taliban militants were killed in military operations across Afghanistan within the last 24 hours, the country's defence ministry said on Sunday.

"A total of 42 terrorists were killed, 31 were injured and two others were detained as the army, police and intelligence agency personnel launched several joint military operations in different provinces over the past 24 hours," Xinhua news agency quoted the ministry as saying.

The security forces seized weapons and defused several roadside bombs and landmines, the statement added.

A total of five army personnel also lost their lives during the 24-hour period, the statement said.

The Taliban-led violence continues in Afghanistan. Afghan security forces have pressed on clearing the militants in restive provinces as they assumed the full security charges from NATO-led troops since January 1 this year.

The Taliban militant group has yet to make comments.