Taliban fighters killed in NATO strike

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 12 (UPI) -- A NATO aircraft attack killed 22 Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, including four Pakistani nationals, police in Zabul province said Sunday.

In a conflicting report, NATO officials said only four Taliban fighters died Saturday after NATO troops ambushed in the Shinkay district called for air support, reported RIA Novosti.

U.S. President Barack Obama has said he plans during the next 18 months to increase U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan from 36,000 soldiers now serving there to an estimated 60,000 soldiers.