Twelve militants of the Islamic State (IS) have been killed in an airstrike overnight, the Afghan Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"The air force of Afghan National Army launched an airstrike against an IS position in Achin district of eastern Nangarhar province last night, killing 12 IS militants," the ministry said in a written statement.

Nangarhar province has been the scene of clashes between security forces and militants since the emergence of IS there in early 2015. The Achin district has been regarded as IS militants' stronghold in Nangarhar.

In addition, one IS local commander Murtaza, alias Kaka, was captured along with four of his men after the joint Afghan Special Operation Force members carried out a ground offensive in parts of Achin Monday night, the statement noted.

The militant group has yet to make comments.

Source : XINHUA