KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Ten militants loyal to the Taliban have been killed and five others arrested following a counter-insurgent operation in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar, the provincial government said Sunday.

"A two-day operation was launched by government forces in Shah Walikot district of Kandahar province, left 10 militants dead and five others arrested," the government said in a statement.

Three civilians including two women have also been injured during the clash between Taliban and security forces, said the statement, blaming the Taliban for using civilians as human shield.

The militant group has not made a comment on the report yet.

Security situation has been improving in Kandahar, the former stronghold of Taliban, over the last months, as security forces have conducted search and cordon operations across the province. But the militants attack government forces in the province from time to time.