Afghanistan says 69 Taliban killed in attacks

Kabul, Mar 23: At least 69 Taliban rebels were killed in fighting with Afghan forces in the south of the country, a defence spokesman said today, a day after troops launched an offensive against the guerillas.

A provincial police official had said yesterday that NATO-led forces killed 38 Taliban guerillas in attacks in two areas in Girishk district of Helmand province.

But Defence Ministry spokesman Zahir Azimi said NATO troops were not involved in the fighting and added that the guerilla death toll had risen to 69. Seven policemen were also killed, he said.

Reuters