Coalition and national troops battled militants in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday, the eve of a sweeping anti-Taliban offensive by U.S.-led forces — their biggest since the Islamic extremist government’s 2001 ouster. Some 26 militants were slain in an attack on mountain positions in Paktika province, said provincial Gov. Akram Khelwak. Helicopter gunships and artillery fire supported ground troops; one Afghan police officer was wounded. Also in Paktika, four civilians died when rebel rockets slammed into their house, the provincial government said. Full Story