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40 militants killed in anti-Taliban push

MUSA QALA (Afghanistan): Airstrikes and ground troops killed at least 40 militants during combat operations in support of a massive anti-Taliban campaign across southern Afghanistan, military officials said on Friday.

The insurgents were killed during a two-day push that ended on Thursday in a remote part of southeastern Paktika province, near the Pakistan border, said Lt. Col. Paul Fitzpatrick.

One coalition member was wounded, he said. An enemy fighter wounded during the gunbattle was also captured.

Operations began on Wednesday with an airstrike on a mountainous stronghold near the village of Orgun-e, a statement said. Ground forces encountered ``numerous well-fortified and concealed fighting positions manned by aggressive fighters.''

AP

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