Barg-e-Matal district has been a scene for heavy clashes between the Afghan government forces and Taliban after hundreds of militants overran the district earlier this month. Afghan and NATO forces recaptured the district, forcing the militants to abandon the city and station around the mountainous district.

With less than a month to the country's presidential elections in Aug 20, fighters with the Islamist extremist Taliban have increased their attacks in eastern region.

Afghan security forces killed seven Taliban fighters after the militants, wearing suicide vests and carrying automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades, attacked several government buildings in eastern Khost city Saturday. Three Afghan police and 14 civilians were wounded in the attacks.

Thousands of US, Canadian and British soldiers have been taking part in major anti-Taliban assaults in southern region, where the rebels are most active.