The U.S-led coalition and Afghan forces killed over a dozen militants in Helmand province of southern Afghanistan, a coalition statement said Sunday.

The joint forces were attacked by militants in Washer district on Saturday, the statement said, adding the forces fought back and called in coalition air support to suppress the enemies.

The battle continued throughout the day and additional enemy fighters reinforced enemy positions in the area, according to the statement.

The joint forces maneuvered to defensible positions and directed coalition helicopters to drop munitions on enemy positions again, it added.

"Over one dozen enemy fighters have been estimated killed in the prolonged battle," the statement said.

One coalition soldier and one Afghan soldier were killed and two coalition troops and one Afghan soldier were injured during the fighting.

About 13,000 coalition forces are being deployed in Afghanistan to hunt down militants and keep security.

Afghan officials said Afghan and international forces have killed over 1,500 Taliban militants since March in this volatile country.

Source: Xinhua