Defense Ministry spokesman General Zahir Azimi says seven Afghan government soldiers also were killed by fighting in three districts of Helmand -- Nadali, Gerishk, and Lashkar Gah.

Azimi said the battle was part of a ground offensive conducted solely by Afghan government troops -- the first such operation since training of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police began in 2002.

Azimi said the government offensive, code-named Operation Norouz, will conclude later today. NATO-led forces are providing air support.

Thousands of NATO and Afghan troops have been engaged in combat for weeks against Taliban fighters in Helmand Province.

They are trying to eliminate Taliban strongholds and hideouts in an area about 150 kilometers around the Kajaki hydroelectric dam.

(AP, AFP, dpa)