At least 39 militants were killed in the past 24 hours during military operations in Afghanistan, the country's defence ministry said on Wednesday.

The raids were launched by the Afghan National Army in coordination with the police and intelligence agency in five of the country's 34 provinces, Xinhua cited the ministry as saying in a statement.

The joint security forces also found weapons and ammunition and defused several roadside bombs and landmines in the operations, said the statement that provides daily operational updates.

Afghan security forces have pressed on clearing the militants in restive provinces as Taliban militants have been attempting to take territory and consolidate their positions ahead of winter in the central Asian country.(Agencies)