'Taleban killed' in fresh clashes

The US military and Afghan government say more than 20 Taleban rebels have been killed in fresh fighting in south-eastern Afghanistan.

They included six rebels killed after attacking a coalition and Afghan convoy, authorities said.

Another six Taleban fighters were killed in the same area, in Ghazni province, on Sunday.

Afghan and foreign troops have been fighting the Taleban in the volatile south and south-east of Afghanistan.

Local officials told the Associated Press that there were no casualties among Afghan and foreign forces during the recent clashes.

US officials also reported the killing of 12 rebels in the eastern province of Kunar after five bases were attacked on Sunday with artillery, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.

In another development, local authorities in Zabul province say two bridges between Qalat and Kandahar in the south were destroyed.

The Taleban denied any involvement in the destruction of the bridges.

The fresh fighting followed an attack by suspected Taleban militants on a ceremony in Kabul to mark the 16th anniversary of the capture of the capital by the mujahideen from the Soviet-backed government.

Shots were fired on a crowd of dignitaries including President Hamid Karzai, who escaped unhurt.

At least one person died and 11 were injured in the attack.