Kabul, Afghanista ? British troops hunting pro-Taliban insurgents in southern Afghanistan killed 12 militants after repelling a fierce attack on their base, the military said Thursday.

The British soldiers fought for more than four hours against Islamic militants late Wednesday in the desolate Musa Qala district of Helmand province, a hotbed of Taliban militant activity.

“The (British) patrol base was receiving small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire, and British forces responded with small arms and mortars,” said Maj. Quentin Innis, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition forces. “We estimate 12 militants were killed.”

There were no coalition casualties during the battle, the latest skirmish fought in Helmand since 3,300 British soldiers began deploying into the volatile province.