Provincial officials say Taliban militants have attacked a road construction company in the south-eastern Afghan province of Paktia, killing 35 workers.
Rohullah Samoon, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said that at least 20 other workers were injured in the pre-dawn assault in the Wazi Zadran district on May 19.
He said the gun-battle lasted for two hours and "eight Taliban were also believed to have been killed" as the private security forces guarding the compound fought back.
The spokesman identified the company as Galaxy Sky, an Afghan construction firm that is building a 35-kilometre road in the province.
Paktia has a long border with neighboring Pakistan, from where Taliban forces allegedly cross to attack Afghan and coalition forces.
compiled from agency reports
Rohullah Samoon, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said that at least 20 other workers were injured in the pre-dawn assault in the Wazi Zadran district on May 19.
He said the gun-battle lasted for two hours and "eight Taliban were also believed to have been killed" as the private security forces guarding the compound fought back.
The spokesman identified the company as Galaxy Sky, an Afghan construction firm that is building a 35-kilometre road in the province.
Paktia has a long border with neighboring Pakistan, from where Taliban forces allegedly cross to attack Afghan and coalition forces.
compiled from agency reports