The NATO-led International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) in an overnight fighting killed 22 insurgents with air support in Afghan eastern province of Khost, said an ISAF statement released here on Thursday.

ISAF forces were attacked by a large number of insurgents while on patrol Babrak Tana district on Wednesday night, the statement said. "The ISAF patrol fired back in response and called in attack helicopters and close-air support."

It said "upon positive identification of insurgent forces, the close-air support engaged the enemy. Helicopters fired multiple munitions killing the remaining insurgents from the initial attack. "

After the battle, ISAF assessed the scene "confirming a total of 22 insurgents killed in the remote area" as it claimed that " there were no civilians in the area and no damage to structures in the vicinity."

In the same day, the U.S.-led Coalition forces Wednesday killed six armed Taliban militants and detained one suspect during an operation to disrupt the Taliban's foreign fighter and roadside bomb network in Zabul province of southern Afghanistan, said a statement issued by the Coalition forces here on Thursday.

Militancy and skirmishes had claimed over 5,000 lives in 2008 while military analysts predict more violence in Afghanistan this year.

(Xinhua News Agency January 22, 2009)