Two Afghan soldiers were killed in a landmine explosion and militant fire in past 24 hours, a statement issued Wednesday morning by the Afghan Ministry of Defense said.

The statement issued by General Zahir Azimi, spokesman for the Ministry of Defense does not contain the exact location of the incidents.

General Azimi's statement adds that 44 militants were killed and 35 others wounded during separate military operations in past 24 hours, according to the Afghan (Khaama Press).

Four insurgents were apprehended and six Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) defused by the military during these operations, the statement state.

Afghan National Security Forces have launched several operations against militants in different parts of the country including Zabul province where 31 passengers were kidnapped about two months before and Kundoz province where hundreds of Taliban launched coordinated attacks parts of the province.