82 militants killed in Afghan military operations

At least 82 militants were killed and 64 others injured as the Afghan army launched wide-scale operations in 17 of the country's 34 provinces, Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

At least 36 Taliban militants were killed and 24 wounded when troops struck militants positions in Chamkani and Jani Khel districts of Paktia province, Xinhua news agency quoted the ministry as saying.

"A total of 32 terrorists were killed and 20 wounded during a cleanup operation in Dahana-e-Ghori district of Baghlan province," it said.

Sporadic clashes continue in the district after Taliban captured its centre and took control of all government office buildings there.

The joint forces supported by the army's artillery and warplanes also detained 12 militants during the above raids, the statement said.

It also confirmed loss of seven army personnel over the same period.

The Afghan army have beefed up security operations while Nato-led forces increased drone attacks against militants since April after Taliban started their annual offensive and stepped up attacks across the country.

The Taliban have yet to make comments.

--IANS

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