US, Afghans attack clinic in Afghanistan

       US and Afghan forces attacked a clinic in eastern Afghanistan after a wounded Taliban commander sought treatment, and a US helicopter gunship fired on the medical centre after militants put up resistance, officials said yesterday.
       Reports of the militant death toll from Wednesday's firefight varied widely. The spokesman for the governor of Paktika province said 12 militants died, while police said two were killed. The US military did not report any deaths.
       The fighting began after a wounded Taliban commander sought treatment at a clinic in the Sar Hawza district of Paktika. As US and Afghan forces moved towards the centre, militants began firing from inside.
       Hamidullah Zhwak, the governor's spokesman, said the Taliban commander was wounded on Aug 20, the day of the country's presidential election.
       Militants brought him and three other wounded Taliban to the clinic at noon on Wednesday. US and Afghan forces were tipped off to their presence and soon arrived at the scene, he said.
       Insurgent snipers fired from a tower near the clinic, and troops called in an air strike, Mr Zhwak said. Fighting between some 20 militants and Afghan and US forces lasted about five hours,and 12 Taliban were killed in the clash,he said. Seven insurgents - including the wounded commander - had been detained.