Monday, July 18, 2011 – According to ISAF officials, at least five Nato soldiers were killed in separate incidents in east and southern Afghanistan.
In a statement issued by NATO-led International security assistance forces on Monday said, three Nato forces were killed in a roadside bomb blast in eastern Afghanistan.
The source further added, the explosion took place on Monday but prevented from disclosing further information.
In the meantime, two other NATO-led international troops were killed in a blast in southern Afghanistan on Sunday.
NATO officials did not provide further details regarding the exact location of the incident and nationalities of the deceased soldiers.
The new incidents brings the number of foreign forces casualties to 315 so far this year in Afghanistan.
Since the beginning of 2011, at least 222 US troops including 28 British and 65 soldiers from other countries have been killed in various incidents across Afghanistan.
On the other hand, Afghan security forces on Sunday received the security responsibility for Bamyan province during the first phase of security transition from foreign forces to Afghan security forces.
Afghan forces will take over security responsibilities of seven areas in the first phase of the transition process.
By the end of 2014, Afghan security forces are expected to take security lead in all parts of Afghanistan.
In the meantime, US Gen. John Allen has taken over command of American and coalition forces in Afghanistan from Gen. David Petraeus.
Allen has said he plans to “maintain the momentum” of the international military campaign.
shortly before the handover ceremony on Monday morning in the Afghan capital, Allen was promoted to a four-star general.
