US soldier killed in anti-Taliban battle in Afghanistan

An American soldier was killed Tuesday during an anti-Taliban operation near the capital of the southern Afghan province of Helmand, US-led NATO forces said. The news comes after NATO on Monday announced the deployment of around 100 US troops to Lashkar Gah to help head off a potential Taliban takeover as fighting intensifies.

Clashes as Afghan Taliban edge closer to Helmand capital

Fighting is raging in Helmand as Afghan troops try to beat back Taliban insurgents advancing on the besieged capital of the southern poppy-growing province. Afghan forces fought back insurgents after they stormed Nawa district, just south of Lashkar Gah city, late on Wednesday, raising alarm that the provincial capital was at risk.