Dozens dead in Afghan fighting, governor says

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, May 22 (Reuters) US-led forces in Afghanistan attacked Taliban strongholds in the south today and more than 60 Taliban were killed, the governor of Kandahar province said.

Sixteen civilians were killed in the ground and air assault in the Panjwai district, 25 km southwest of Kandahar city, the governor, Assadullah Khalid, told reporters.

The US military said 20 Taliban had been confirmed killed.

Possibly another 60 insurgents had been killed, a spokeswoman said.

The US military was checking reports of civilian casualties, she said.

REUTERS PG RN1506