Afghan officials have said that more than 20 Taliban militants have been killed in security operations in the eastern part of the country.
Afghan National Army soldiers killed 16 Taliban militants and confiscated weapons, cars, and motorcycles belonging to the militia in a largest operation, which took place in Wardak Province, west of Kabul.
Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty quoted a spokesman for the Wardak Governor as saying that four additional Taliban were killed in a smaller police operation in the province.
Major-General Mohammad Sharif Yaftali, who commands Afghan forces in seven crucial southeast provinces, has said insurgent activity is on the rise in the country's eastern provinces.
