KABUL (PAN): NATO-led troops have destroyed a key Taliban stronghold consisting of bunkers and defensive positions in the eastern province of Kunar, bordering Pakistan's volatile tribal region of Bajaur.

Monday's air strike by foreign forces targeted the insurgent bastion near the village of Sangar Dara in the mountainous Watapur district on the basis intelligence indicating militant activity in the area, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said.

Gen. Muhammad Qasim Bitani, commander of the joint Afghan-NATO Coordination Office in Kunar, told Pajhwok Afghan News up to 30 guerrillas were eliminated in the operation. Dreaded militant commander Muhammad Akbar was among the dead, he claimed.

Also on Monday, the multinational force said, several fighters were killed in southeastern Paktika province. Afghan and foreign forces were chasing a Taliban commander responsible for weapons facilitation, kidnappings and planning suicide bomb and IED attacks.

The troops raided a compound near the Tawda Oba Kalay in Sara Roza district, according to an operational update from the ISAF Public Affairs Office. The joint force searched the enemy fighting position and recovered several AK-47 rifles and chest racks loaded with AK-47 magazines. 

During the operation, one militant was injured. The force provided medical attention to the injured fighter before transporting him to a military health facility in the insurgent-infested region.

A source in the NATO press office in the eastern zone revealed six militants were killed in retaliatory fire from the troops. Sra Roza resident Noor Muhammad said Tawda Oba and Soorkot areas were rocked by heavy fighting and a bombardment last night.

Separately, an Afghan-international force detained a Haqqani IED cell leader and several other militants in neighbouring Khost province. The detainee is blamed for constructing and emplacing roadside bombs and several attacks in the area.

While searching a compound in the Terazai district, the joint force detained several militants, including the cell leader. The security personnel also recovered a number of AK-47 rifles, hand grenades and bomb-making materials.

In southern Zabul province, the statement said, a few suspected militants were arrested as the troops pursued a Taliban commander. The joint force targeted a compound near the village of Nawkhez in the provincial capital, Qalat.

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