Six NATO troops killed

Afghanistan: At least six soldiers with the foreign occupation forces were killed in an attack by a rebel group in southern Afghanistan, according to the NATO-led ISAF. As usual, the ISAF gave no details and did not reveal the nationality or identity of the victims. These latest casualties confirm 2010 as the deadliest year for foreign troops since the occupation began in late 2001, with 692 killed, exceeding the 521 registered in 2009.

Fighting between rebels and NATO forces have increased in recent weeks in the southern and eastern regions.According to an ISAF statement, more than 40 insurgents lost their lives in military operations this weekend.

In the eastern Kunar region alone, at least 25 Afghan guerrillas were killed in air raids.

The violence that began on Friday killed 15 civilians yesterday in the southern province of Helmand, where a truck carrying local residents struck a mine and was completely destroyed.

In another region of the south, six people were injured when car bomb exploded in the vicinity of a police station.

In addition, seven security company employees were killed in a nighttime attack by ISAF troops, and the ISAF announced it was investigating.

According to local officials, the workers were taken by surprise in their tents.

Kabul, Prensa Latina