American troops killed in Afghanistan

There are reports American troops have been killed and wounded in an assault on Taliban and al-Qaida fighters regrouping in eastern Afghanistan.

The casualties came during the largest US-led ground operation in the anti-terror campaign since December, military officials said.

The battle plan called for a combination of American special forces and Army 101st Airborne assault troops fighting alongside Afghan allies on the ground, with US bombing support from the air, said Pentagon officials.

It appeared the US-backed Afghans made little headway against al-Qaida and Taliban defenders on the first day of the offensive.

Afghan forces broke off the attack in early afternoon and withdrew, possibly to allow US bombers to soften up Taliban and al-Qaida positions overnight. Heavy bombers could be heard flying toward the area.

The new offensive opened near Gardez, in the eastern part of the country, and was backed by 60 American and 600 Afghans on the ground, Afghan officials said.

Afghan fighters interviewed in Gardez said the Americans told them there were about 4,000 al-Qaida and Taliban warriors holed up in the eastern mountains.

US officials and Afghan sources estimate 4,000 to 5,000 foreigners who fought for the Taliban and al-Qaida remain inside Afghanistan.