At least 44 militants were killed in past 24 hours as Afghan security forces conducted clean-up operations, the country's defence ministry said on Sunday.A total of 27 militants were injured and one militant was arrested during the operations which were launched in Wardak, Kandahar, Helmand and Baghlan provinces of the country, Xinhua quoted the defence ministry as saying in a statement.The statement also confirmed the loss of three army personnel during the same period of time.Afghan security forces have pressed on clearing the militants in restive provinces. The Taliban responds by bombing and armed attacks.On Saturday, four security force members, including a district police chief, were killed after a roadside bomb struck a security convoy in Kunar province.