国际英语新闻:71 militants killed in Afghan forces fresh operations

KABUL, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Up to 71 armed militants have been killed during series of operations across the conflict-hit Afghanistan over the past 24 hours, said a statement of Interior Ministry released here on Monday.

"Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched 12 Counter-Terrorism operations to clear some areas from terrorists and enemies and as a result 71 rebels have been killed over the past 24 hours," the statement said.

During the operations, which covered parts of Nangarhar, Helmand, Laghman, Farah, Kunduz, Ghor, Wardak and Zabul provinces, 40 more militants sustained injuries and seven others arrested.

The statement, however, didn't mention the possible casualties inflicted to the security forces over the period. Taliban and Islamic State groups that are fighting against the government, haven't commented on the report.