Militants Attack Afghan Military Post

Kabul, 2 August 2004 -- The central Afghan Army backed by U.S. aircraft and helicopters clashed with militants in southeastern Afghanistan near the Pakistani border today.
Several people were killed in fighting in the Gurbuz district of Khost Province when suspected Taliban fighters attacked a military post.

The U.S. military said one Afghan soldier died and three were wounded, while militants incurred heavy losses.

However, a local commander, General Khialbaz Sherzai, said two Afghan soldiers were killed and two wounded. He added that two militants were also killed and one captured.

According to the commander, dozens of wounded militants are crossing into Pakistan.

Separately, gunmen late last night opened fire from a motorcycle on a vehicle being used for voter registration, killing one government soldier. The attackers escaped.

(Reuters/AFP)