KABUL - Afghan and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) captured several anti-government militants in Helmand province 555 km south of Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, a press release of the alliance said Friday.

"A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation in Nawah-ye Barakzai district, Helmand province, yesterday," the press release said.

"The force conducted the operation after receiving a tip that insurgent leaders were meeting at a compound in the area. After calling for the men inside to come out peacefully, the insurgent leaders, with several subordinates, emerged and were detained without incident," the press release said but did not give details.

Taliban militants fighting Afghan and NATO-led forces have yet to make comment.