KABUL -- At least six militants and 17 troops were killed in Helmand and Uruzgan provinces, officials said Wednesday (March 22).
The militants were planting land mines in Nad-e-Ali District, Helmand Province, when one exploded prematurely, killing six of them, said the Ministry of Defence, according to Khaama Press.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) removed the bodies of 17 troops from a besieged base on the outskirts of Tirin Kot, Uruzgan Province, reported Pajhwok Afghan News.
Twelve soldiers were killed in fighting while another five died in Taliban captivity, confirmed ARCS.
The base has been under Taliban siege for six months, confirmed the MoD, adding that an army convoy is moving to break the siege.
