Kabul - Nine International Security Assistance (ISAF) soldiers were killed and 15 more were wounded in fighting that started early Sunday in the north-eastern province of Kunar, officials said.

The heavy fighting was reported in an official press release from NATO-led ISAF headquarters in Kabul. "Four Afghan National Army soldiers were wounded in this fighting as well," it said.

"Although no final assessment has been made, it is believed insurgents suffered heavy casualties during several hours of fighting," the press release added.

The ISAF statement did not reveal the nationality of the soldiers killed in the battle. (dpa)