14 Afghan Soldiers, Dozens Of Militants Killed

The Afghan Defense Ministry says 14 Afghan soldiers and dozens of Taliban militants have been killed across the country in the past 24 hours.

In a statement on July 7, the ministry said three Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed by artillery fire and roadside bombs in Wardak Province, west of Kabul.

Around a dozen Taliban insurgents were killed in the operation.

Seven more soldiers were killed in restive Helmand Province by roadside bombs, and four others were killed in other attacks across the country.

The Defense Ministry said 27 Taliban were killed in Helmand.

The Afghan army and police, which took over full responsibility for security from NATO-led coalition forces last month, have lost over 900 personnel this year.

Based on reporting by AP and Khaama