Two Nato soldiers killed on patrol in Afghanistan

Two Nato soldiers were killed when their patrol vehicle hit a roadside bomb south of Afghanistan’s capital Kabul, the Western alliance said.

Another soldier and interpreter were also wounded by the improvised explosive device in Logar province yesterday, said a statement from the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

“We deeply regret the loss of our soldiers today who were serving their country and working to provide security and a better life for the Afghan people,” said US Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley from ISAF’s eastern command.

“We also pray for the speedy recovery of our wounded soldier and interpreter.”

ISAF did not disclose the nationalities of the victims.

Separately, Nato forces in Kandahar’s Panjwayi district opened fire yesterday on a civilian vehicle that refused to stop “despite clear signals, including the use of verbal warnings and warning shots,” ISAF said. One Afghan civilian was killed.

“ISAF deeply regrets the loss of life and injury to civilians. It is not known why the vehicle failed to stop when clear signals were given,” the Western alliance said, adding that the incident would be investigated.

It is the fourth such incident in the past two weeks. The latest victim was the fifth to die from Nato gunfire on a civilian vehicle.