Dozens of suspected Taliban killed in clashes

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
NATO and Afghan troops clashed with suspected Taliban guerrillas in eastern Afghanistan, killing dozens of militants, officials said Thursday. In the eastern province of Paktika, more than 100 fighters crossed the border from Pakistan into Afghanistan, sparking a large battle, said Gen. Murad Ali, a regional commander. The Afghan army launched artillery and NATO warplanes launched airstrikes, he said. The bodies of about 10 Taliban fighters were recovered, although Ali estimated that more than 50 were killed. The Defense Ministry, however, said 80 fighters had died.