Kabul, Dec 20 (IANS): At least 141 Taliban militants have been killed as the Afghan army waged offensives in the last 48 hours to Saturday morning, Xinhua reported, quoting a defence ministry statement.

"Afghan National Army (ANA) conducted operations to ensure security in surrounding areas of Kunar, Nangarhar, Ghazni, Helmand, Uruzgan, Balkh and Herat provinces over the past 48 hours, killing 141 armed opponents," the statement said.

Ahmad Khan, a Taliban shadow district governor for Dangam in eastern Kunar province, was among the killed, according to the statement.

The statement also confirmed losing five ANA personnel as a result of the enemy's heavy weapon firing and roadside bomb attacks over the same period.

The army specialists have recovered and defused 115 roadside bombs and landmines over the past two days, it said.

The Taliban insurgent group is yet to comment.

The Taliban-led violence continues in Afghanistan and Afghan security forces have been pressed on to clear the militants in restive provinces as the NATO and U.S. forces are withdrawing from the country.