13 Killed In Afghan Violence

(RFE/RL)

July 15, 2007 -- Eight Afghan security guards died today when a roadside bomb struck their vehicle in the eastern province of Paktika, while a rocket fired from Pakistan into Paktika's Bermel region killed two civilians.

In southern Helmand Province, three Taliban fighters were killed and five Afghan soldiers wounded during a battle in the district of Gereshk.

The Afghan Defense Ministry today announced that 30 fighters aligned with Hizb-e Islami, a faction led by former Afghan Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, have laid down their weapons and agreed to cooperate with the government.

(AFP)