18 Taliban killed

Afghan soldiers backed by Nato forces and warplanes killed 18 Taliban in a series of clashes in south-eastern Afghanistan, the alliance said Friday. Three Nato soldiers, three Afghan troops and an interpreter were also wounded in the fighting in Paktika province, an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) press release said.
The statement said the combined forces came under small arms fire from a group of 25 to 30 insurgents in remote Bermal district. "After the initial clash, the ANA (Afghan National Army) succeeded in counter-attacking with small arms and close air support," the statement said.