KABUL, Afghanistan, August 04, SPA -- Afghan and NATO troops targeteda group of Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan,killing 17 of them and wounding six others, the DefenseMinistry said Monday. Four police were killed separately in a militant ambush incentral Ghazni province, a provincial official was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. The joint force clashed with militants in the Marjahdistrict of Helmand province Sunday, the ministry said in astatement. The troops recovered militants' weapons andammunition and 132 pounds (60 kilograms) of drugs after theclash, it said.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/579275