By Xinhua,
Kabul : The U.S.-led Coalition during two separate operations targeting the anti-government militants in Afghanistan Sunday killed and detained several militants, said Coalition statement released here on Monday.
Coalition forces searched compounds in Tala Wa Barf district of northern Afghanistan’s Baghlan province targeting militant leader known to plan IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attacks andknown to have conducted indirect-fire attacks against foreign forces, the statement said.
Several armed militants attempted to engage the force, who responded with small-arms fire, killing the militants, it said.
IED-making materials, several AK-47s, ammunition vests and ammunition were also discovered and destroyed on the site to prevent any future use, it added.
Meanwhile, Afghan National Army and Coalition Forces launched a joint operation to disrupt militant IED networks on Sunday in eastern Afghan province of Khost, arresting four militants.
The joint force searched compounds in Sabari district targetinga Haqqani network sub-commander known to conduct IED-facilitation operations, as well as several attacks in the area, the statement said.
The joint force discovered IED-making materials, multiple machine guns and ammunition which were confiscated to prevent any future use, it noted.
A total of 70,000 multi-national troops are deployed across Afghanistan under the flags of the NATO-led ISAF and the U.S.-led Coalition forces respectively for maintaining stability and helping in reconstruction.
Afghanistan has witnessed the surge of Taliban attacks on international and Afghan troops during past weeks when the anti-government militants continue to demonstrate their strength through suicide and roadside bombings.
Escalating insurgency and violent incidents have left around 2,500 people dead with over 700 civilians since January this year in the war-torn country.