At least six Taliban militants were killed following an airstrike in eastern Afghan province of Paktika on Saturday, the country's defense ministry said on Sunday.

"Afghan National Army (ANA) Air Force launched airstrikes in Barmal district, Paktika province, killing six terrorists," the ministry twitted.

The district is bordering Pakistan.

Afghan security forces and the coalition troops have beefed up security operations and airstrikes against militants as the war-weary people are facing upsurges in attacks by Taliban and Islamic State (IS) militants across the country.

The militant group has yet to make comments.

source: xinhua