Clashes in Afghanistan leave 48 dead
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN — NATO-led troops backed by artillery and airstrikes killed 48 suspected militants in three separate confrontations in southern Afghanistan, the alliance said Wednesday.
At least four civilians were wounded in the clashes in Kandahar province’s Zhari and Panjwayi districts Tuesday, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization said.
The victims are being treated at military medical facilities, the alliance said.
The troops had targeted militants who were attacking NATO’s development efforts in the area, said Maj. Luke Knittig, a spokesman for the alliance’s International Security Assistance Force.
NATO forces launched a major military operation in the Panjwayi area in September. The alliance said it killed more than 500 suspected militants during that offensive.
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