KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Twelve militants were killed in a firefight with Afghan and coalition forces in Helmand province, U.S. military officials said.
The attack occurred Friday night during a raid of a home suspected of housing militants. The forces came under fire from militants hiding behind trees during a targeted attack of the compound, Afghan and coalition forces said.
Before the attack, the forces urged the noncombatants to surrender to avoid harming women and children inside, officials said. No one complied, and militants started attacking using handguns.
Two militants barricaded themselves behind women and children, officials said.
Nine women and 20 children were rescued from the compound. One child was treated for minor injuries by a medic at the scene.
All About Afghanistan • The Taliban • Terrorism
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