NATO, Afghan forces say they killed 15 insurgents

Security forces came under attack near a compound in Sherzad district of Nangarhar province on Friday night, sparking a battle that killed the insurgents.

NATO said it also used air strikes in the operation. The insurgents were the only casualties, NATO added.

Authorities were trying to determine whether the Taliban leader, who raised money and planned attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, was among those killed. However, he was not identified.

Mohammad Hassan, a district chief in the area, gave a slightly higher estimate of the deaths, saying at least 18 Taliban were killed in the fighting, including a local commander. He said the air strikes made contact during a Taliban meeting.

Security forces destroyed the weapons found on the insurgents, including rocket-propelled grenade launchers and hand grenades.