Afghan Forces Battle Militants Near Pakistan Border

3 October 2005 -- The Afghan Defense Ministry said today that government forces killed at least 28 suspected Taliban militants near the eastern border with Pakistan.
Ministry spokesman General Mohammed Zaher Azimi said fighting broke out when insurgents attacked an Afghan Army position near Angore Adda in Paktika Province late last night.

Intense fighting ensued and lasted 4 1/2 hours, with both sides used heavy weapons.

Azimi said the militants eventually fled, leaving behind 28 dead bodies of their fighters. Four Afghan Army soldiers were injured, one seriously.

(AP/Reuters)