Afghanistan War News Updates -- July 4, 2009

U.S. Marines and about 650 Afghan soldiers and national police officers walk towards several CH-53D Sea Stallion, CH-53E Super Stallion, and Uh-60L Black Hawk helicopters on Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan, July 2, 2009. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Philippe E. Chasse

2 US Troops Die In Attack On Base In Afghanistan -- Yahoo News/AP

KABUL – Taliban militants fired rockets and mortars at a U.S. base in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing two American troops and wounding several more in a two-hour battle, officials said.

During the clash, which ended only after U.S. forces called in airstrikes, a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden truck toward the base's gates. It blew up when American troops fired on it.

More than 30 insurgents were killed in the battle in Zerok district of Paktika province, said Hamidullah Zawak, the provincial governor spokesman. Seven American and two Afghan troops were wounded, a U.S. military spokesman said.

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More News On Afghanistan

Afghanistan Fighting Kills 2 US Soldiers, 30 Militants -- Voice of America
Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan fighting -- AFP
Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan attack -- AFP
'Passionate' soldier was destined for leadership -- Toronto Star
UK Colonel Is Most Senior Serviceman to Die In Afghanistan Since 2001 -- FOX News
Seven police killed in Afghan blast -- AFP
FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, July 4 -- Reuters
Marines, Afghans Establish Bases in Helmand -- US Department of Defense
US Marines fight to expel Taleban from south Helmand as canal seized -- Times Online
'High-stakes battle' for Helmand -- BBC
UK troops face critical Afghan task -- BBC
US Marine commander out shopping in Afghanistan -- McClatchy News
Afghans flee US offensive in Helmand - 03 July 09 -- Al Jazeera Video
Afghans wary of new US, Britain operations -- AFP
Marine offensive intended to show that Taliban can be beat -- McClatchy News
Helmand offensive -- DAWN
'Incorruptible' Commandos Sign of Hope for Afghanistan's Future -- FOX News
Despite U.S. tactical shifts in Afghanistan, Taliban terror continues -- McClatchy News
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 642 -- Washington Post
Canadian death toll in Afghanistan mission: 121 soldiers, one diplomat -- Canadian Press