In Afghanistan, about 66 militants have been killed in military operations in 17 of the country's 34 provinces. Afghan Defence Ministry said in Kabul that among the killed, 30 terrorists were of Islamic State (IS) group. It said, 23 militants were also injured and 11 persons, including eight suspected militants, were detained during the operations. <br/><br/>The Afghan security forces have stepped up security operations against militants recently as the militants have been attempting to take territory and consolidate their positions ahead of winter in the mountainous country. However, Taliban and IS militant groups have yet to make comments.