World briefs 8/12/06

3 coalition soldiers die in battle with Taliban

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- Three coalition soldiers died in a battle with extremists in northeastern Afghanistan on Friday, while a suicide bomber killed a NATO soldier in the south, officials said. Two coalition soldiers were also wounded in the fighting with the militants in Waygal district of the northeastern Nuristan province, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James Terry said in a statement. The New York Times said the coalition casualties were American troops.

Earthquake rocks Mexico City; no injuries reported

MEXICO CITY -- A moderate earthquake rocked Mexico City on Friday, causing skyscrapers to sway and frightening residents, but emergency officials said no major damage or injuries were reported. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 and struck in Michoacan, 125 miles southwest of the capital. A 5.2-magnitude aftershock hit about eight minutes later. Electricity and telephone service did not appear to be interrupted.

Bodies of two U.S. troops found in western Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The bodies of two U.S. soldiers missing since a helicopter crash this week were found west of Baghdad, the U.S. military said Friday. That brought the number of U.S. troops to die this month in Iraq to at least 19. Four U.S. soldiers -- two from the Army and two from the Navy -- were injured when the U.S. Army UH60 Black Hawk helicopter went down Tuesday. The military has said the crash was not a result of hostile fire.

-- From wire reports