Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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June 15, 2007

More than 24 Suspected Taleban Militants Killed in Afghanistan
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=17D5452:A6F02AD83191E1604D31722F429FAE799574F7DCC14957C0 Clashes and
attacks reported at several locations in southern part of country;
Afghan officials also say a suicide bomber attacked a NATO convoy in
Uruzgan province The U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan says more than
24 suspected Taleban militants and six civilians were killed in
clashes and attacks in southern Afghanistan.

A statement says air support was called in after a coalition and
Afghan patrol came under attack in Sangin in Helmand province. It says
more than 24 militants were killed in the nine-hour battle.

In Zabul province, coalition and Afghan forces killed an unspecified
number of militants in a firefight Friday. A civilian caught in the
crossfire died of his wounds.

In another incident, Afghan officials say a suicide bomber attacked a
NATO convoy in Uruzgan province. They say five children near the
convoy were killed. Two soldiers were also wounded by the blast.

Elsewhere, a U.S.-led coalition soldier was killed in fighting in
Paktika province Friday.

Meanwhile, the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan says it is
investigating the Taleban's claims that militants captured a foreign
soldier Tuesday in Helmand province.

If confirmed, it would be the first kidnapping of a coalition soldier
by the Taleban since the extremist group was pushed from power by a
U.S.-led invasion in 2001.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP .


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