Kabul - A US coalition soldier and several militants were killed while 20 insurgents were captured, officials said Friday.

A statement from Bagram airbase near Kabul said the soldier was killed in combat in south-western Farah province on Thursday.

THe US military also claimed it killed several militants and captured 16 others Thursday in Ghazni province.

"Coalition forces searched compounds in Andar District targeting a militant leader who facilitated foreign fighters and were involved in attacks against Afghan and Coalition forces," the statement said.

In another incident, four militants were detained in eastern Konar province, the military said. (dpa)