Afghanistan Says 18 Militants Killed Near Pakistan Border

At least 18 militants and a member of Afghan security forces have been reported killed in a gunbattle in the country's east.

Officials said the fighting took place in Nazyan district of Nangarhar Province, near the Pakistani border.Azrat Hussain Mashriqiwal, a spokesman for the provincial police chief, said 26 militants and two security personnel were wounded in the fighting that ended on February 4.He said four militants were also captured, including three Pakistani citizens.A cache of weapons and explosives were seized from the militants.A local tribal elder said six civilians also died in the battle.

The Afghan Taliban said on February 4 they shot down a U.S. helicopter, killing and wounding dozens of Afghan troops in Nazyan district. The report was denied by U.S. military officials.