In Afghanistan, at least 89 Taliban militants and 15 others including six security personnel were killed in clashes in various provinces amidst the parliamentary polls held yesterday. Several civilians were also injured during poll violence. Seventy-one militants were killed as troops raided their hideout in eastern Paktia province. Spokesman of the provincial administration Rohullah Samon said Taliban gathered in a hideout in Syed Karam district to disrupt the election process, but intelligence reports identified their location, and airpower was called in, killing 71 militants. Eighteen militants were killed in Chardara, Dasht-e-Archi and Aliabad districts in northern Kunduz province. The operation was carried out by Afghan troops backed by NATO-led forces. Three foreign soldiers were also killed in separate incidents yesterday. Afghan and Western officials have termed the second parliamentary election since the fall of the Taliban as largely successful, but security fears and disenchantment kept voter turnout low. UN Secretary-General commended women and men of Afghanistan for their courage and determination in exercising their democratic right to vote amid significant security challenges. He called on all parties to use appropriate legal channels to file complaints and asks for patience as the electoral authorities complete the process in accordance with the law. United States said it will support the Afghan independent electoral institutions as they do their work in the coming weeks, including carrying out thorough measures to detect and adjudicate fraud.