By Xinhua,
Kabul : At least 25 militants and eight civilians were killed in the southern Afghan province of Uruzgan by Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and the US-led coalition forces, said a coalition statement here Monday.
The militants attacked the coalition forces in Khas Oruzgan district using residential buildings they had previously occupied as cover, the statement said, adding that they held hostage 11 people who were residing in those buildings, the statement said.
“Coalition troops called in close air support to engaged the militants hiding in the structure killing eight civilians as well,” it said. “Three civilian survivors were found after battle.”
“Taliban militants use innocent civilians’ homes, taking them by force to attack Afghan and coalition forces,” said Juma Gul Humat, the provincial police chief.
“Unfortunately, eight civilians were killed and three wounded who were held by the Taliban against their will,” he added.