More than 50 Taliban killed in two-day battle in Afghan province

More than 50 Taliban killed in two-day battle in Afghan province

More than 50 Taliban rebels, fled a key southern Afghan town were killed in a series of battles as they attacked a nearby government center.

The battle - fought by Afghan soldiers aided by NATO airstrikes - took place in Sangin, Helmand province. Sangin neighbors Musa Qala, which Taliban fighters had controlled since February but abandoned this week in the face of an offensive by Afghan, British and U.S. forces.

"When the terrorists were defeated in Musa Qala, they escaped to Sangin and started firing in and around Sangin," the Defense Ministry said.

Among the 50 militants killed were three foreigners and three commanders, the ministry said. It said no civilians were hurt or killed in the operation.