GHAZNI, Afghanistan, March 14 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 armed militants were reported killed and 12 others sustained injuries after the fighting aircrafts pounded the armed opposition forces' hideouts in Gero district of Afghanistan's eastern Ghazni province on Wednesday, said an army statement Thursday.

The sorties were conducted against armed militants' hideouts in Nakam and Shakor localities of Gero district, leaving 17 armed militants dead on the spot and injured 12 others, besides destroying three vehicles used by the insurgents, according to the statement.

According to locals, militants affiliated with different groups including Taliban and al-Qaida are operational in the troubled Gero district and other parts of the restive province.

Taliban militants are yet to make comment on the report.