220 Taliban reportedly killed in Afghan south

US-led coalition and Afghan troops killed more than 220 suspected Taliban militants in an operation in southern Afghanistan last week, the US military said yesterday, the biggest recent toll of insurgent deaths.

Several residents said more than 70 civilians were killed in air strikes by foreign forces in the Sangin district of Helmand province.

"The operation is mostly wrapped up. The troops killed more than 220 militants," US military spokesman Nathan Perry said.