Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and the US-led Coalition forces during two separate operations Tuesday killed 10 insurgents in war-torn Afghanistan, said Coalition statements released?in Kabul?on Wednesday.

ANSF and Coalition forces were conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol when they were engaged by militants from multiple fighting positions using small-arms, indirect and rocket fire in Nad Ali district of southern Afghan province of Helmand, the statement said.

"The combined forces responded with organic weapons, and killed them," it said. "No ANSF, Coalition forces or civilian casualties have been reported."

In the other operation targeting a known Taliban militant believed to coordinate and direct the militants' activities, Coalition forces eliminated three armed Taliban militants and detained another one in Andar district of eastern province of Ghaznion Tuesday.

"As the force searched the compound, the three militants, who were armed with AK-47s, hand grenades and other military equipment, attempted to engage the force," it said. "Coalition forces engaged the militants with small-arms fire, and killed them."

A search of the militants and compound revealed multiple AK-47s, hand grenades other military equipment all of which were destroyed on the spot to prevent future use, it added.

Taliban insurgents have yet to make comment.

Spiraling conflicts and Taliban-linked insurgency have claimed around 5,000 people, mostly militants, so far this year in strife- torn Afghanistan.

(Xinhua News Agency December 3, 2008)