MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The operations were held in 14 of Afghan provinces, including Nangarhar, Paktia, Herat and Helmand, the statement added.
"In the last 24 hours, Afghan Security Forces… launched an offensive to suppress the insurgents and to protect people… During the operations, 71 people were killed, 39 injured and one terrorist was arrested," the statement said.
At least 52 militants died as a result of anti-terror raids in southern country's provinces of Kandahar and Oruzgan, according to the statement.
Afghanistan is in a state of political and social turmoil, fighting the continuing Taliban insurgency, while other extremist groups, such as Islamic State, outlawed in many countries including Russia and the United Kingdom, have also expanded their activities in the country and neighboring states.
