JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Up to 60 Islamic State militants have been killed in the eastern Nangarhar province as the Afghan government forces mopped up their hideouts since early Tuesday morning, spokesman for the provincial government Attaullah Khogiani said.

The government forces backed by aircrafts targeted the positions and hideouts of IS militants in parts of Haska Mina district since early Tuesday morning. So far 60 insurgents have been killed and 18 others injured, Khogiani said.

One civilian died and 13 others were injured during the ongoing operations.

According to the official, the militants have been using residential houses in the fight, and the security forces are sparing no efforts to protect civilians in the ongoing operations.

IS militants, who are active in parts of the eastern Nangarhar province, haven't commented on the report yet.