A NATO airstrike on militants planting a roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan left five suspected insurgents dead, while a clash in the west killed another 10 militants, officials said Tuesday.
The airstrike happened as the group was spotted digging on the road and laying a roadside bomb in Bermel district, in Paktika province, late Sunday, said Sgt. 1st Class Dean Welch, a US-led coalition spokesman.
Authorities retrieved the bodies, which were later handed over to village elders from Bermel, said provincial police chief Nabi Jan Mullahkheil.
Militants frequently use roadside bombs to target Afghan and foreign troops.