Madrid  - Spanish soldiers Thursday repelled an insurgent attack in Afghanistan, killing 13 militia and injuring at least three more, the Defence Ministry in Madrid said.

There were no casualties or injuries among the Spanish troops during the six-hour battle in Sabzak, central Afghanistan.

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) sent helicopters at a Spanish request, but these did not open fire because of the proximity of a nearby village.

The Spaniards formed part of a unit charged with helping to ensure security during the Afghan elections.

On Wednesday, a Spanish sergeant was injured in an attack on a Spanish convoy in the same area.

Spain has some 800 soldiers based permanently in Afghanistan as part of the ISAF force. Around 450 others were sent to help during the elections.  dpa