Afghanistan: Battle claim disputed

The United States military said last night that at least 20 civilians and 60 insurgents may have died in a disputed US-Taleban clash earlier this month, refuting the Afghan Government's assertion that 140 civilians were killed.

Preliminary findings could not conclusively determine the number of people killed during the May 4-5 battle in Bala Buluk district of western Farah province.

The US military said its aircraft destroyed several rural buildings where insurgents were regrouping. Eight buildings were targeted, and 13 missiles were fired.