KABUL, Dec 29: Nato and Afghan forces killed more than 10 Taliban fighters during a clash in southern Afghanistan, police said Friday. Using machineguns and rocket-propelled grenades, the Taliban attacked a police post late on Thursday night, said Khost provincial police commander Mohammad Ayub. The ensuing battle lasted more than an hour.

Nato forces called in a helicopter to attack the Taliban, Ayub said, adding that after the clash ended, the bodies of over 10 Taliban were recovered.

Nato spokesman Maj Dominic Whyte said there were no dead or wounded among Nato troops. Ayub said there were also no casualties among Afghan forces.

The Taliban militia have stepped up attacks this year, particularly in southern Afghanistan, and waged fierce battles with Western and Afghan forces.

About 4,000 people, mostly militants, have died in 2006, the bloodiest period in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban regime in late 2001.—AP