Military

DATE=4/25/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON/AFGHANISTAN (S ONLY)

NUMBER=2-302589

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Two U-S servicemen have been killed in Afghanistan in a gun battle with suspected Taleban fighters near the Pakistani border. More from V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: General Richard Myers, Chairman of the U-S military's Joint Chiefs of Staff, says the gun battle took place near a rocket launch site previously used by Taleban forces to attack a U-S military outpost near the Pakistan border in Paktika province.

Speaking at the Pentagon, General Myers says about 20 suspected Taleban fighters opened fire on a coalition patrol. In the gun battle that followed, at least three of the enemy were killed. But General Myers says there were coalition casualties.

/// MYERS ACTUALITY ///

The resulting firefight cost the lives of two U.S. servicemen. Additionally, some U.S. and Afghan soldiers were wounded.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

A U-S led quick reaction force responded to the attack and air support was called in. But military officials say the Taleban force escaped across the border into Pakistan. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/PT/RH