55 militants killed in Afghan battle

[June 23, 2008]  KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- The U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan says it has killed 55 militants in the east of the country.

A coalition statement said the battle took place on Friday in Paktika province, which borders Pakistan.

It said militants ambushed a patrol with rocket and gun fire, prompting troops to fire back and call in warplanes.

It said the 55 insurgents killed includes three key leaders. It did not identify them. Another 25 militants were wounded and another three detained.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.