Grim Milestone Nears for US In Afghan War

(AP) NATO says a U.S. service member has been killed in a militant attack involving a roadside bomb and gunfire.

The death brings to 44 the number of U.S. troops who have died in Afghanistan this month, tying August with July for the deadliest month of the eight-year war.

NATO says the American died in southern Afghanistan on Thursday when the troop's patrol responded to the gunfire attack.

With four days left in the month, August is likely to become the deadliest of the war. More than 60,000 U.S. troops are now in the country - a record number - to combat rising insurgent violence.

General: More Troops in Afghanistan Means Less Risk

Meanwhile, NATO and Afghan officials said Thursday that a U.S. helicopter had attacked a medical clinic in eastern Afghanistan after a wounded Taliban commander sought treatment there.

Officials said U.S. and Afghan forces clashed with insurgents at the clinic after militants put up resistance. The militant death toll from Wednesday's fight varied widely from none killed to 12 dead.

A U.S. statement said an AH-64 Apache helicopter fired rounds at the clinic after it was cleared of civilians. It said seven insurgents were detained.

Hamidullah Zhwak, spokesman for Paktika province's governor, said the attack began after a wounded Taliban commander went for treatment at the clinic. U.S. and Afghan forces were tipped off and fighting with some 20 militants lasted about five hours.

Zhwak said the Taliban commander was wounded Aug. 20, the day of the country's presidential election.

The latest violence comes as the war-torn country awaits results from that election. The lengthy vote count, coupled with ongoing accusations of fraud, threatens to undermine hopes that Afghans can put together a united front against the insurgency.