Rumsfeld confirms nine US soldiers killed

Nine American soldiers have been killed in renewed fighting in Afghanistan. The troops were taking part in a large scale operation against Taliban and al-Qaida fighters still hiding in the mountains. President Bush says he regrets the loss of US lives.

Six of the dead were in a helicopter that was shot down by enemy fire. US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld confirmed that nine Americans have died in the latest campaign, including at least seven killed when the helicopters were attacked.