Two separate bombings in Afghanistan have killed a Nato service member as well as an official with the Afghan ministry of women’s affairs and her husband.

Protests erupted in Afghanistan again today over a US pastor’s burning of the Koran – the fourth day of demonstrations against the destruction of Islam’s holy book in a country struggling to beat back an insurgency led by Taliban religious extremists.

A Canadian soldier and 10 militants were killed today in fierce fighting near an opium-rich Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan, the military said.

Afghanistan's opposition claims hundreds of Taliban soldiers have been defecting.