U.S. civilian adviser killed in Afghan operation

Afghan National Army soldiers rushto the scene moments after a car bomb exploded in front the PRT, Provincial Reconstruction Team, in Qalat, Zabul province, southern Afghanistan, Saturday.

KABUL, Afghanistan — Officials have confirmed an American civilian adviser was killed in a military operation in eastern Afghanistan that also left 11 suspected Taliban militants dead.

The American was one of three U.S. civilians killed Saturday. Two also died in a suicide bombing in the south, along with three soldiers.

Col. Thomas Collins, a spokesman for U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan, said Sunday that the adviser was killed during fighting in Kunar province.

Provincial government spokesman Wasifullah Wasify says 11 Taliban militants also were killed, and four Afghan security forces, six civilians and 10 Taliban militants were wounded.

Afghan forces have increasingly been taking the lead in combat operations as international forces prepare to withdraw by the end of 2014. U.S. and other foreign troops work largely in a training and advisory role.