By Xinhua
Kabul : Afghan and US led coalition forces killed at least 10 Taliban insurgents in southern Afghanistan, a coalition statement said Friday.
Some Afghan soldiers were conducting a combat patrol Thursday to remove Taliban fighters from Washir district in Helmand province when an estimated 50 insurgents ambushed them, the statement said.
Civilians were observed leaving the area prior to the battle, providing an early warning to the Afghan forces that an attack was forthcoming, it added.
The forces quickly moved to higher ground where they suppressed the enemy positions and called for coalition air support.
“Ten insurgents have been confirmed killed with scores more estimated to have been killed or wounded” in the 13-hour clash, the statement said. No Afghan or coalition soldier was wounded in the engagement.
Washir district of Helmand has been the site of several recent clashes between Afghan forces and insurgents.
This summer, Afghan and coalition forces have carried out multiple operations on local insurgent networks.
Over 3,800 persons have been killed this year due to rising violence in Afghanistan.