KABUL, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) backed by the U.S.-led Coalition forces killed 14 insurgents in southern Afghan province of Helmand on Thursday, said a Coalition statement issued here on Friday.

    "The combined elements were conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol in an area in Sangin district when they were attacked by armed insurgents with small-arms fire from multiple locations," the statement said.

    It added that ANSF and Coalition Forces positively identified an enemy position and called in for close-air support, resulting in six insurgents killed.

    Moreover, the combined forces engaged the insurgents with small-arms fire in another fighting positions and called for close air support, killing eight more insurgents, it further said. "One wounded insurgent, equipped with an RPG launcher, surrendered to the Afghan-led force and two other insurgents were detained in the operation."

    No ANSF, Coalition Forces or civilian injuries were reported as a result of the engagement, it noted.

    As former Taliban stronghold, Helmand province has seen escalating conflicts since the beginning of this year. The U.S. announced to send additional troops into the southern Afghanistan.