In Afghanistan, at least nine militants have been killed as government forces targeted Taliban hideouts in Dehyak district of eastern Ghazni province.

The spokesman for provincial government, Aref Nuri said on Sunday that security forces also arrested fifteen suspected militants.

Meantime, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Majahid in contact with media has confirmed the operations but said all those killed in the raids were civilians.

However, government's spokesman rebuffed the claim saying all people killed during the operations were Taliban fighters.