Romanian soldier killed in Afghanistan explosion

An explosion near a military convoy killed one Romanian soldier and wounded four others today in southern Afghanistan.

The blast took place at about 5am local time about six miles north-east of the coalition-run Kandahar Airfield, said Canadian military spokeswoman Capt. Julie Roberge.

A military helicopter evacuated the four wounded Romanians for medical treatment, Roberge said.

Military officials were investigating if the blast was caused by a roadside bomb or land mine, she said.

Romania has about 700 peacekeeping troops in Afghanistan.