US and Afghan troops have killed eight suspected Taleban militants in a lengthy gun-battle in southern Afghanistan, officials say. The clash was part of the latest of a series of military operations in Zabul province against fighters said to be loyal to the former Taleban government. Rebel fighters have intensified their attacks in the run-up to the Afghan parliamentary elections in September. Several pro-government clerics and officials have been targeted. There has been no word from the Taleban on the latest violence. Full Story