15 militants killed in northern Afghanistan

AYBAK, Afghanistan, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Up to 15 insurgents loyal to the Taliban group have been killed and 13 others arrested over the past 24 hours in the northern Samangan province, said army spokesman Abdul Hadi Jamal on Thursday.

Clashes flared up in Ruyi Doab district on Wednesday after the security forces launched cleanup operations and the insurgents resisted, and later fled the area leaving 15 bodies behind and 13 more captured.

Taliban militants who have intensified activities since launching their so-called annual spring offensive on April 12, have not made comment.