KABUL: Two coalition soldiers were killed during combat in Afghanistan that also left about 48 militants dead, officials said on Sunday, as President Hamid Karzai called for more coordination between coalition and tribal leaders during counter-terrorism operations. The two soldiers were wounded during a four-hour gun battle on Saturday and later died at a hospital. One coalition soldier was also wounded. Karzai emphasised to key Western officials the need for international troops to work more closely with tribal leaders and community elders during military operations. Taliban in Nuristan province have abducted a provincial health officer and two health workers, including one with a Swedish group, police and the militants said.