KABUL, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Afghan forces supported by coalition air strikes killed two militants, but also caused civilian casualties on Thursday in the southern Helmand province of Afghanistan, the Defense Ministry said.

    "With the support of coalition air forces, Afghan soldiers fought back the enemies in Nawzad district at 11:00 a.m. local time," the ministry said in a statement.

    Two militants were killed and a number of others injured, it added.

    It said the operation also caused casualties to the civilians. "There were civilian casualties and property damages, and the details would be released later."

    The militants, according to the statement, launched an assault on Nawzad district at 8:30 a.m. local time.

    Nawzad locates in northwest of Helmand province, which is famous for gigantic opium product and rising violence.

    About 3,300 British troops under the NATO flag have been deployed in the province to fight insurgents.

    In Helmand's capital Lashkar Gah, a deadly suicide bombing ripped off a crowded market on Monday, killing 21 people and injuring 43 others including some children.

    Afghanistan is suffering from a rise of Taliban-linked insurgence this year, during which more than 1,900 persons, mostly Taliban rebels, have been killed. Enditem