Kabul, 30 June(AKI) - Afghan security forces have arrested 11 suspected militants in the eastern province of Khost in an operation against the Taliban.

"Backed by the US-led coalition forces, the operation held on Monday in the Sabari district has led to the arrest of 11 rebels," said the chief of police in the province, Abdul Qayum Baqizai, according to media reports.

The chief of police said that six suspects were arrested when they were trying to escape wearing burqas, traditional clothing for women covering them from head to toe.

The arrests followed a US-led air strike on Monday in Khost which killed more than a dozen Taliban militants, specifically a group of the Haqqani guerilla network, the US military said in a statement.

The Haqqani guerilla network is closely linked to the Taliban and one of the most powerful groups in eastern Afghanistan.

The eastern province of Khost and the other provinces along the border of Pakistan's lawless tribal areas, have witnessed intense battles between security forces and the Taliban for nearly two years.