Afghan forces kill 17 militants in southern Afghanistan

TIRIN KOT, Afghanistan, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 militants loyal to the Taliban group were killed following an Afghan forces operation in southern Uruzgan province, an army statement released on Saturday said.

The 24-hour operation was launched in Kotwal area outside provincial capital Tirin Kot city, leaving 17 fighters dead and scores wounded, the statement from the 205th Atal Corps Press Office said.

According to the statement, 17 anti-vehicle mines have also been discovered and defused during the operation.

There were no casualties on the security personnel, the statement said.

Taliban has not commented on the report.