8 rebels, 5 ANA troops killed in Kunar clash

ASADABAD (PAN militants and five Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed during a fierce gun-battle in eastern Kunar province, officials said on Saturday.

Backed by International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops, the ANA Special Forces personnel clashed with the rebels in the Bachi area of Marwara district on Friday night, the alliance said in a statement.

As a result, seven rebel fighters were killed and two others, including a commander, were arrested, it added.

The district chief, Habibur Rahman, claimed eight militants and five soldiers were killed in the operation.

A Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said eight of their fighters and six US soldiers had been killed in the clash.

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