The US-led coalition forces killed 20 suspected Taliban-linked militants in the troubled Helmand Province on Sunday, a press release of the US army released in Kabul said on Monday.

 

"Twenty extremists were killed after attacking a Coalition patrol with small arms and mortar fire in the Sangin District of Helmand Province on July 2," the press release added.

 

Two coalition soldiers were also wounded in the exchange of fire.

 

"Two Coalition soldiers were wounded and transported to a Coalition medical facility for treatment. They are in stable condition," it added.

 

Taliban militants have yet to make any comment on the claim.

 

The incident occurred amid the increasing militancy in the southern region where a huge anti-Taliban operation the Mountain Thrust is going on to wipe out militants and strengthen central government's control in the area.

 

A US army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter was crashed in the neighboring Kandahar province at 8:30 p.m. Sunday night killing one crewman and wounding another.

 

Two British soldiers were killed in militants' attack in Sangin district of Helmand province on Saturday.

 

However, the US-led military is firm to continue support Afghan government as long as the situation requires, the press release stressed.

 

Taliban-led insurgency has claimed the lives of more than 900 people including over 40 foreign soldiers since beginning this year.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 3, 2006)