20 Taliban militants killed in separate operations

At least 20 Taliban militants were killed in separate military operations conducted by Afghan national security forces in the past 24 hours. The interior ministry of Afghanistan following a statement said Saturday at least 9 Taliban militants were killed during military operations in Ghazni and Paktia provinces, Khaama Press reported. The statement further added that the operations were conducted by Afghan national police forces in cooperation with the Afghan national army and Afghan intelligence – national directorate of security (NDS) operatives. Afghan security forces also confiscated various types of weapons, ammunition and explosives during the military operations. Interior ministry in a separate statement said at least 11 Taliban militants were killed during two military operations in Southern Zabul province of Afghanistan. The operations were independently conducted by Afghan national police forces in Qalat city of Zabul province, interior ministry said in its statement, adding that Afghan police forces also confiscated a motorcycle packed with explosives along with 1 AK-47 rifle and five motorcycles. Interior ministry confirmed that the Afghan police forces did not suffer any casualties during the military operations.