KABUL, Oct 29: Afghan and Nato-led troops killed up to 70 insurgents in a battle involving attack helicopters and air support while an ISAF soldier was killed in a bomb blast, the force said on Sunday.

The separate incidents occurred on Saturday in the southern province of Uruzgan, where the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has based Australian and Dutch soldiers in the battle to rid the country of Taliban insurgents.

ISAF and Afghan National army troops were attacked by between 100 and 150 insurgents near a base in the province, the force said in a statement.

“In a firefight lasting several hours, the insurgents were engaged by ISAF and (Afghan) small-arms fire, attack helicopters and close air support,” it said.

“Initial battle damage assessment indicates that up to 55 insurgents were killed.” An Afghan soldier was wounded.

ISAF spokesman Major Luke Knittig said later that battle damage assessment in daylight put the number of dead “at closer to 70”.

“We know that insurgents have been seeking to use north Uruzgan as a safe haven and we have been taking action,” he said. “They initiated the action but we were there with a purpose and ready for them.”

In the second encounter, an ISAF convoy was struck by a bomb. One soldier was killed and one wounded, another statement said.

The force does not release the nationalities of its casualties until this information has been made public by the home countries.

“Two civilians and a local national were also injured in the attack. The casualties have been evacuated to an ISAF medical facility for treatment,” the statement said.

ISAF has 31,000 troops from 37 countries across Afghanistan trying to help local authorities establish security.

The foreign soldiers have faced resistance, along the border with Pakistan, where many Taliban are believed to have fled after their regime was toppled for sheltering Al Qaeda members.—AFP