NATO soldier killed by roadside bomb

A NATO soldier died today when militants exploded a roadside bomb and then opened fire on a military patrol in southern Afghanistan today.

The attack in the Panjwayi district of Kandahar province, happened near a NATO base, the alliance said.

One of the patrolling vehicles was damaged. Attack helicopters and an explosives disposal team were sent to the area.

NATO did not release the nationality of the dead soldier.

Southern Afghanistan has been the scene of increased fighting and attacks in recent months. Taliban militants have been stepping up the use of roadside and suicide bombs. NATO troops had massive clashes with militants in Panjwayi district last month, and NATO said more than 300 fighters were killed.

In the eastern province of Khost, meanwhile, a suicide car bomber targeted a US patrol near the border with Pakistan, said provincial police chief Mohammed Ayub. He said there were no casualties but one vehicle was damaged. The US military had no immediate information.

In Ghazni province, police said a regional Taliban commander – Mullah Abdul Rahim Sabauun – was killed by police on Thursday.

Sabauun and his bodyguard, who were riding on a motorbike, were killed by police in Gelan district, said police chief Mirhamid, who goes by only one name. Sabuun was reportedly a high-ranking politician during the Taliban’s rule.