Forces kill 75 Taliban troops in Afghanistan

HEAVY fighting in southern Afghanistan has killed about 75 Taliban fighters, coalition forces said today.

The fighting began when Afghan and coalition troops spotted a dozen insurgents planting roadside bombs in Uruzgan province, sparking a 14-hour battle that included airstrikes against Taliban fighters taking cover in village homes.

Local officials said six civilians were also killed after Taliban fighters sought shelter in their homes, which were then targeted by airstrikes.

More air attacks were called in against "anti-coalition militants" in the Garmsir district of Helmand province - where British forces have been involved in months of conflict - early this morning, killing about 40 fighters.

Nato's International Security Assistance Force admitted there were "a number" of civilian casualties caused by this week's fighting.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence were today set to name two British soldiers killed in a road accident in Afghanistan.