Marines fight Taliban in southern province

GARMSER, Afghanistan, July 4 (UPI) -- U.S. Marines in southern Afghanistan spent the day Friday fighting rather than meeting with residents and local leaders as they planned, officials said.

Taliban insurgents increased their attacks in the Helmand River valley, especially in the district of Garmser. They fought an eight-hour battle from a walled housing compound with troops from the 2nd battalion of the 8th Marine Regiment.

After watching the compound for about 24 hours and determining there were no civilians present, the Marines called in a Harrier fighter jet which dropped a bomb. All of the Taliban left inside were believed killed by the 500-pound bomb, officials said.

Secondary explosions following the bombing convinced Marines there were bombs inside. They said they believed between 30 and 40 insurgents were shooting at them.

The Taliban retreated to the compound after attacking the 2nd battalion's Echo Company, The Washington Post reported.