Coalition forces eliminate nearly a dozen militants in E Afghanistan

Source: Xinhua | 08-29-2008 16:03

KABUL, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-led Coalition forces in an operation eliminated almost a dozen militants and arrested two others in an operation to disrupt militant activities in eastern Afghan province of Paktika province, said a Coalition statement released here on Friday.

Coalition forces searched compounds in the Bermel district targeting an individual affiliated with militant leaders responsible for the movement of foreign fighters from Pakistan into Afghanistan on Thursday, the statement said.

"Militants engaged Coalition forces during their search of the compounds while the forces responded with small-arms fire, killing the militants," it said.

Taliban insurgents who staged a violent comeback three years ago have intensified their activities targeting Afghan and international troops over the past weeks to mount pressure on the government despite around 70,000 foreign troops stationed in the war-torn country vowing to keep peace and help reconstruction here.

Conflicts and spiraling insurgency have claimed the lives of over 3,000 people so far this year.

Editor:Gao Jia