Clashes between the Afghan army and suspected Taleban insurgents near the eastern border with Pakistan have left at least 24 militants and one soldier dead.
Officials say the two sides fought with assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns in the Barmal district of eastern Paktika province.
In southern Afghanistan, coalition warplanes killed a mid-level Taleban commander and up to 15 other militants in an airstrike. A NATO statement said aircraft bombed an insurgent compound in Uruzgan province.
NATO officials say British troops are pulling out of a troubled district of Musa Qala in southern Helmand province, after reaching an agreement with local elders and Afghan officials. NATO said Tuesday that the withdrawal was made at the demand of tribal leaders, and the Taleban was not involved.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.