MAHMUD-E-RAQI, Afghanistan, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least seven militants have been killed and three others sustained injuries as clash erupted in Nijrab district of the eastern Kapisa province, an army statement released here Friday said.

The clash, according to the statement, broke out after the security forces launched cleanup operations.

Taliban militants have been expelled from at least 10 villages over the past 24 hours, the statement said.

The armed outfit has yet to make comment.