The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Kandahar

Afghan and NATO forces were patrolling the southern town of Musa Qala Tuesday after driving out entrenched Taliban fighters, a resident said, as the rebels vowed to fight back.

The number of people killed in the fighting to force out the Taliban was not yet clear, although one local said at least 12 died in air strikes. Defence officials were not immediately available to provide updates.

"I see NATO and Afghan troops in the town," Mohammad Nasir told AFP by telephone. "There was not lots of fighting as we expected."

Afghan and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) soldiers started advancing Friday on Musa Qala, which was occupied by the Taliban 10 months ago after the withdrawal of British troops. Soldiers entered the town Monday.

Nasir said eight members of one family were killed in one air strike and two children and two women in another. This could not be independently verified.

Officials said only that two children, two ISAF soldiers and several rebels were killed.

A Taliban spokesman confirmed that the rebel fighters had left the town Monday but said they would continue their campaign.