Al Qaeda member, others killed in gun fight

KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) - Afghan and international troops killed several people in a gun battle on Tuesday morning in eastern Afghanistan, the NATO-led command said.

Troops in Paktia province killed an Afghan al Qaeda leader and others armed with automatic rifles and hand grenades.

The incident took place when troops went to a compound where they suspected military activity where they were met with "heavy fire."

"While moving around the compound the force continued to receive fire by individuals barricaded inside buildings, and returned fire killing several individuals," the International Security Assistance Force said.

"A number of armed individuals who ran from the compound were pursued by the force. As they were being pursued, the individuals turned and fired on the security force, which returned fire and killed the individuals."