ASADABAD, Afghanistan, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least one militant affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) was killed and six others arrested, following an Afghan and coalition forces operation in eastern Afghan province of Kunar overnight, an official said Saturday.

"Afghan commandos supported by U.S.-led NATO coalition forces conducted an operation in Watapor district of Kunar province, late on Friday night, killing one IS militant and arresting six militants," Col. Haq Nawaz Haqyar, the provincial police chief, told Xinhua.

Some light and heavy weapons have also been seized from them during the operation, according to the official.

The violence has been on the rise as Afghan security forces struggle against a surge in attacks by militants at the time when the country is preparing for parliamentary and district council elections slated for Oct. 20.

Afghan security forces, backed by the coalition troops, have increased ground and air offensives against militants in the past few months as the country is preparing for parliamentary and district councils' elections slated for later this month.