Afghan, NATO forces kill 17 suspected militants

KABUL - A provincial official in Afghanistan Sunday claimed 17 suspected Taliban militants were killed in a joint Afghan and NATO operation in the south of the country, where a blast killed a policeman and a civilian.

Acting on tip-off provided by an intelligence agent, the combined forces confronted a group of suspected militants in Deshu, Helmand province Saturday night, Daoud Ahmadi, spokesman for the provincial governor said.

“A total of 17 Taliban fighters were killed in this operation,” Ahmadi said, adding that there were no casualties among the combined forces.

Separately, a policeman and a civilian were killed Saturday when a police vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb in Registan district of neighbouring province of Kandahar, a statement issued by the provincial government said Sunday.

Six policemen were injured in the blast, it said.

Taliban militants are most active in Helmand and Kandahar provinces, which have been the main focus of NATO military operations this year. Thousands of Afghan, US, British, Canadian troops are taking part in operations in the region.