<span style="color: #222222;">In Afghanistan, as many as 15 militants were killed as fighter aircraft struck Taliban positions and hideouts in southern Kandahar province. In a statement today the Defence Ministry said five militants have been injured in the sorties, which covered parts of the restive Panjwayi district.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The statement said the ground forces backed by the combat aircraft will continue to strike the enemy hideouts elsewhere in Kandahar and its vicinity.</span><br />''  <br />