KABUL - Afghan police in conjunction with the army and NATO-led troops have killed 18 Taliban militants during series of operations across the country over the past 24 hours, Interior Ministry said in a statement released?on Sunday.

"Units of national police backed by the army and NATO-led coalition have carried out nine operations in Kunduz, Baghlan, Laghman, Khost, Zabul and Kandahar provinces over the past 24 hours during which 18 Taliban rebels were killed, eight injured and 19 others made captive," the statement contended.

However, it did not say if there were any casualties on the security forces.

Taliban militants who have been fighting the Afghan and NATO-led force have yet to make comment.