Afghan government troops backed by the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) have killed 40 militants and arrested 21 others over the past three days, a press release of Afghan Defense Ministry said Sunday.

"NATO's air raids and joint ground operations with Afghan troops claimed the lives of 40 insurgents in Gereshk district of southern Helmand province on Saturday," the press release added.

Afghan and NATO troops in their joint operations have also taken into custody 21 persons on charge of having links with Taliban and al-Qaida networks from Paktia, Khost and Zabul provinces.

A number of arms, ammunitions, explosive materials, walkie- talkie, satellite phones and binoculars were recovered from their possession, the statement added.

More than 2,400 people mostly militants, according to officials, have been killed in Afghanistan's increasing violence so far this year.

Source: Xinhua