Kabul - US-led coalition forces said Friday its troops killed several militants during an operation in southern Afghanistan.

A military statement released from Bargam US airbase near Kabul said coalition forces searched compounds in Garmsir District in restive southern Helmand province on Thursday, targeting a Taliban insurgent.

The militants were allegedly involved in the procurement and smuggling of various types of small-arms, munitions and explosives in the Garmser district.

"During their search, coalition forces were fired upon by an unknown number of insurgents from the compounds, coalition forces responded with small arms and called in airstrikes to support, killing several of their attackers," it added.

Meanwhile, coalition forces in a separate statement said a medical team conducted screenings and provided routine treatment to more than 100 local citizens, including approximately 80 children, in Ghaziabad District, eastern Konar province. (dpa)