From correspondents in Kabul, Afghanistan, 01:02 PM IST

Police backed by the US-led coalition forces killed 15 Taliban militants during a mop-up operation Sunday in the eastern Afghan province of Khost and arrested two.

Abdul Qayum Bakizai, the province's deputy police chief, told reporters that the combined forces engaged the militants in Sabari district of Khost province early Sunday morning.

'Fifteen militants were killed and two were arrested on the spot,' Bakizai said, adding 'twenty rifles were also seized by the joint forces during the operation.'

There was no immediate comment from the Taliban.

Taliban insurgents who staged a violent comeback three years ago have intensified their activities targeting Afghan and international troops across Afghanistan to mount pressure on the government.

Conflicts and spiralling insurgency have claimed over 3,700 people's lives, mostly militants, so far this year.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)