36 militants killed in Afghan raids

KABUL - Up to 36 militants have been killed in separate joint cleanup operations in Afghanistan within the last 24 hours, said the country's Interior Ministry Monday.

"Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and the NATO-led ISAF coalition troops conducted several cleanup operations in Helmand, Paktiya, Wardak, Kandahar, Baghlan and Kunar provinces over the past 24 hours. As a result 36 armed Taliban were killed, 18 wounded and 15 others were arrested by the ANSF," the ministry said in a statement providing daily operational updates.

They also found and seized weapons besides defusing several roadside bombs and landmines, it noted.

The statement did not disclose if there were any casualties on the side of security forces.

The Taliban insurgent group, which has intensified attacks since they launched rebel offensive in April, has not made comments so far.