Kabul, Nov 16 (Xinhua) At least 10 rebels were killed and 18 arrested by Afghan troops backed by the US-led coalition forces during a joint operation in eastern and southern Afghanistan, a coalition release stated Sunday. The combined team of Afghan National Police (ANP) and the coalition forces Saturday targeted the militants’ networks in Zurmat district of eastern Afghan province of Paktiya, the statement said.

“During the operation, one important Al Qaeda militant, known to finance militant operations and assist Taliban leaders, was arrested along with other seven insurgents,” it said, adding five militants were killed in the clash.

Meanwhile, ANP and coalition forces netted a militant known to facilitate the movement of foreign fighters into the region in Khost province of eastern Afghanistan.

In another incident in the south region, Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and coalition forces Friday killed five militants in Uruzgan province in southern Afghanistan, the statement added.

Spiralling conflicts and Taliban-linked insurgency have killed more than 5,000 people, mostly insurgents, so far this year in the country.