37 killed in Afghan battle amid surge in violence

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Thirty-two Taliban fighters and five private security guards died during a four-hour battle in southern Afghanistan Sunday, an Afghan governor said. Zabul Deputy Gov. Gulab Shah Alikheil said Taliban fighters ambushed a NATO supply convoy escorted by private security Sunday morning, sparking a battle that killed 32 militants and five private guards. Alikheil said Afghan army soldiers responded to the ambush, resulting in the high death toll among Taliban. He said officials recovered 18 motorbikes and many assault rifles used by the militants.