Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Dozens Reported Killed in Afghanistan Clashes
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?r=279&ctl=13C7EB4:A6F02AD83191E1607C7A0CD4BD5545D19574F7DCC14957C0 Meanwhile, British
defense officials are investigating the crash of a reconnaissance
plane that killed 14 British military personnel







NATO forces in Afghanistan say NATO and Afghan troops have killed
dozens of Taleban insurgents and wounded or arrested many more in the
southern province of Kandahar.

The Afghan Defense Ministry put the death toll among the militants at
89, but it was not immediately possible to verify the casualty
reports.

The ministry also said three Canadian soldiers had died during the
operation, dubbed Medusa, which started Saturday.  Its aim is to flush
out insurgents from the Taleban stronghold in Panjwayi district.

Meanwhile, British defense officials are investigating the crash of a
reconnaissance plane that killed 14 British military personnel.

Officials say the Nimrod MR2 aircraft was supporting Operation Medusa
when it went down Saturday near Kandahar city due to mechanical
failure.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the accident will "distress the
whole country" but said the mission in Afghanistan is "vital."

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters and AFP


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