WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2004 Coalition forces in Afghanistan beat back an insurgent attack launched Aug. 30 in the Konar Province region.
Combined Forces Command Afghanistan officials reported that coalition aircraft and ground forces were used to suppress insurgent mortar, rocket and small-arms fire. One coalition soldier and two Afghan security troops were wounded during the fighting. Insurgents also "fired indiscriminately" at Afghan villagers, according to a press release. One insurgent killed himself with a grenade, injuring seven Afghan children in the process. Officials estimated that several anti-coalition troops were killed in the fighting. The injured children and coalition and Afghan troops were evacuated to the Bagram Air Base medical facility for treatment. One child was in guarded condition, and the others were in stable condition. The wounded coalition soldier and two wounded Afghan security force soldiers were also reported to be in stable condition, officials said.
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