Coalition airstrikes kill 'at least' nine militants

At least nine Taliban militants were killed when coalition airstrikes targeted a suspected Taliban hide-out in southern Afghanistan today.

Coalition aircraft targeted a the hide-out in the Joshali area of Sangin district in southern Helmand province, said provincial Police Chief Ghulam Nabi Malakhail.

He said at least nine fighters were killed including a Taliban area commander, Mullah Tur Jan.

Military spokesman Major Quentin Innis confirmed the attacks, saying the coalition estimated there were 12 to 15 insurgents killed.