Kabul, Afghanistan ? Backed by warplanes, U.S. and Afghan troops recaptured a town from suspected Taliban rebels in heavy fighting as violence across southern Afghanistan left at least 35 militants dead, officials said Saturday.

The Afghan government, meanwhile, announced a shake-up of the country’s top police commanders Saturday after the worst anti-foreigner riots in years shook the capital. Kabul’s police chief will be replaced, along with 85 others across the country.

U.S. and Afghan troops retook the southern town of Chori on Friday, killing up to 20 militants, said Gen. Zahir Azimi, the Defense Ministry spokesman.

Hundreds of insurgents had attacked the town in Uruzgan province Wednesday, moving in when local security forces were forced to flee. While rebels have been increasing attacks in recent weeks, it is unusual for them to successfully control a large chunk of territory for days.

A U.S. military spokesman, Sgt. Chris Miller, said Afghan and U.S. troops suffered no casualties in taking Chori back. He said police had resumed control of the town.