14 killed in latest Afghan fighting

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 11 (UPI) -- Ten Taliban fighters and four alleged criminals were killed in separate encounters in southern and western Afghanistan, authorities said Wednesday.

Afghan and coalition troops reported killing the 10 insurgents, including two commanders, in fighting in Uruzgan province, KUNA reported. Two Afghan police officers were injured in the encounter, police told the Kuwaiti news agency.

Coalition troops earlier had reported killing another 10 Taliban fighters in the same province Monday.

Meanwhile, Afghan and NATO troops Tuesday killed four men in Herat province who allegedly had been involved in kidnapping for ransom and robberies.

Fifteen more people were detained during the operation, police officials told KUNA.