KANDAHAR, Feb 3: US-led coalition planes bombed on Friday an area of southern Afghanistan where a fierce battle had erupted between Taliban-linked militants and police, leaving about 23 dead, officials said.

“Coalition ground and air forces are on the ground... they are bombing the Taliban,” interior ministry spokesman Yousuf Stanizai said.

“Coalition forces provided close air support to Afghan security forces during an engagement,” coalition spokesman Lieutenant Mike Cody confirmed.

The fighting broke out near southern Helmand province’s Sangin district when police began a sweep in response to several recent attacks on security posts, deputy provincial governor Amir Mohammad Akhundzada said. Reports from the battlefield said 20 rebels and three policemen had been killed, Mr Akhundzada said.—AFP