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Scores die in Nato Afghan clash Scores die in Nato Afghan clash
(about 1 hour later)
Nato says more than 200 Taleban have been killed by Afghan and Nato forces in a major offensive in south Afghanistan that began on Saturday. More than 200 Taleban fighters have been killed in a major offensive by Afghan and Nato forces that began on Saturday, Nato says.
Officials said four soldiers with the Nato-led forces were killed and seven hurt in Operation Medusa, which is taking place near the city of Kandahar. Four Canadian soldiers with the Nato-led forces were also killed in Operation Medusa, which is taking place near the city of Kandahar.
On Saturday, a UK reconnaissance plane supporting the offensive crashed, killing all 14 people on board.On Saturday, a UK reconnaissance plane supporting the offensive crashed, killing all 14 people on board.
Afghanistan is witnessing its bloodiest period since the Taleban fell in 2001.Afghanistan is witnessing its bloodiest period since the Taleban fell in 2001.
Fierce clashesFierce clashes
About 2,000 Nato and Afghan soldiers are involved in Operation Medusa, which is the biggest military operation in southern Afghanistan since the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) took over the area from a US-led coalition at the end of July.About 2,000 Nato and Afghan soldiers are involved in Operation Medusa, which is the biggest military operation in southern Afghanistan since the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) took over the area from a US-led coalition at the end of July.
It is concentrated on the Panjwayi area, about 35km (20 miles) west of Kandahar city, which has seen months of fighting.It is concentrated on the Panjwayi area, about 35km (20 miles) west of Kandahar city, which has seen months of fighting.
Earlier, an Afghan defence ministry spokesman, Zahir Azimi, said three Canadian soldiers had been killed and six wounded, but there is no confirmation from Isaf or Canadian authorities.
The Canadian military told AFP that soldiers with Isaf were "killed and wounded" in fighting around Panjwayi district.
"Reports indicate that more than 200 Taleban fighters have been killed since Operation Medusa began early Saturday morning," Nato said in a statement."Reports indicate that more than 200 Taleban fighters have been killed since Operation Medusa began early Saturday morning," Nato said in a statement.
Canadian officials confirmed that four of their soldiers had also died in fighting on Sunday. Seven others in the Nato-led force were hurt, according to Isaf officials.
There has been fierce fighting. Ground troops have called in artillery and air strikes and the Taleban has responded with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.There has been fierce fighting. Ground troops have called in artillery and air strikes and the Taleban has responded with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.
Nato spokesman Maj Scott Lundy said the coalition forces had gained ground and disrupted the Taleban command and control.Nato spokesman Maj Scott Lundy said the coalition forces had gained ground and disrupted the Taleban command and control.
The operation had "special emphasis on driving out the insurgents so Afghans in Panjwayi district can return to their homes and orchards that sustained their livelihoods," a coalition spokesman said.The operation had "special emphasis on driving out the insurgents so Afghans in Panjwayi district can return to their homes and orchards that sustained their livelihoods," a coalition spokesman said.
CrashCrash
In the crash of the Nimrod MR2 aircraft, British authorities said they believed a technical fault was to blame.In the crash of the Nimrod MR2 aircraft, British authorities said they believed a technical fault was to blame.
Both they and Nato rejected Taleban claims to have shot down the aircraft.Both they and Nato rejected Taleban claims to have shot down the aircraft.
Nato forces are guarding the crash site as the bodies of the dead are recovered and an investigation gets under way.Nato forces are guarding the crash site as the bodies of the dead are recovered and an investigation gets under way.
Much of the fighting between the Taleban and coalition forces in recent months has been concentrated in the south.Much of the fighting between the Taleban and coalition forces in recent months has been concentrated in the south.
Canadian, Dutch and Danish troops are leading the latest offensive, but defence sources told the BBC there were also British troops on the ground and involved in the campaign, but held in reserve rather than engaged in front-line fighting.Canadian, Dutch and Danish troops are leading the latest offensive, but defence sources told the BBC there were also British troops on the ground and involved in the campaign, but held in reserve rather than engaged in front-line fighting.