US-lead coalition war planes bombed Taliban hideouts in southern Helmand province, killing an estimated 30 suspected militants, a military statement said Sunday. Afghan and coalition forces found large weapons caches in three buildings and smaller caches in other buildings, said the statement released from US base in Bagram. "The caches included rockets, anti-tank rockets, and an improvised explosive device, all of which were destroyed by a coalition air strike," it was quoted as saying by DPA. The statement further said that during the course of engagement, the combined force also returned small-arms' fire and employed precision munitions on locations where suspected militants were hiding. Forces estimate more than 30 suspected militants were killed in the engagement, it said. No Afghan or coalition soldier or civilians were killed or injured in the combat, said the statement. Clashes between Taliban-led rebels and Afghan government and international military allies have intensified in the past several weeks. More than 4,400 people - most of them insurgents - have been killed in the violence so far this year.
