US-led coalition forces killed 20 suspected Taliban-linked militants in southern Afghanistan, said a US army statement on Monday.
"Twenty extremists were killed after attacking a coalition patrol with small arms and mortar fire in the Sangin district of Helmand Province on Sunday," the press release said.
The statement added that two coalition soldiers were also wounded in the exchange of fire, adding that their condition was stable.
Taliban militants are yet to make any comment on the claim.
The incident occurred amid increasing militancy in the southern region where Operation Mountain Thrust has been launched by the coalition forces to wipe out militants and strengthen government control in the area.
Taliban-led insurgency has claimed the lives of over 900 people since the beginning of the year.