KABUL, March 2 (Xinhuanet) -- One Afghan soldier was killed and two others wounded as they came in contact with militants in the troubled southern Helmand province on Wednesday, commander of southern corps said Thursday.

    "Clash and exchange of fire between militants and soldiers of Afghanistan National Army (ANA) in Greshk district yesterday afternoon left one ANA soldier dead and wounded two others," General Rahmatullah Raufi told Xinhua.

    Few vehicles of ANA were also damaged during the firefight.

    Commenting on militants' casualties, the General said that the enemies also received casualties but could not give the exact figure.

    Afghan troops in a similar skirmish in the neighboring Zabul province on the same day, Raufi added arrested three rebels.

    The incident coincided with the visit of President Bush to Afghanistan where he held talks with President Karzai and assured Washington's firm support to the rebuilding of post-Taliban nation.

    About 150 British troops of NATO-led ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) just arrived Helmand a month ago for the peace keeping and anti-terrorism operations.

    Around 100 people including seven American soldiers have lost their lives in Taliban-linekd insurgency since the beginning of this year. Enditem