(Jan 2012) According to officials in the Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan, at least 47 armed militants were killed and 241 militants were detained following military operations by Afghan National Army soldiers during the past one month.

Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Zahir Azimi following a press conference on Wednesday said, around 20 military operations were conducted in various regions of Afghanistan.

Gen. Azimi further added, at least 18 Afghan National Army soldiers were killed and 10 others were injured during the military operations.

He also said, at least 3,600 kilograms of drugs, 70 AK-47 assault rifles, 130 kilograms of explosives and some other weapons and ammunitions were seized by Afghan army during the operations.

According to Gen. Zahir Azimi, the security situation has improved by 22% as compared to the previous month.

He also announced another major operation which is due to be launched in the near future.