Afghan army offensive goes 'disastrously wrong'

Bbc Online

An Afghan National Army operation - initially run independently of Nato - in the eastern province of Laghman went "disastrously wrong", officials say.

They say that what should have been a routine "mopping up" operation turned into a "major confrontation" after the Taliban launched an ambush.

Defence officials told the BBC that at least seven Afghan soldiers had been killed and 14 injured.

They say that Nato troops and air support have now joined the fighting.

Officials say that while troops were caught by surprise in the Taliban ambush, they have now fought back and inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents over the last few days.