Three NATO soldiers killed during Afghan parliamentary election

Sep 19, 2010, 7:13 GMT

Kabul - Three foreign troops were killed in separate attacks during Afghanistan's parliamentary elections, the military said Sunday.

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said two soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb, while another died in an insurgent attack in northern part of the country.

ISAF did not reveal the nationalities of the soldiers, nor say if they were taking part in election-related operations.

Around 150,000 US and NATO forces were standing by during the polls to provide assistance for more than 110,000 Afghan troops deployed to more than 5,000 polling sites across the country.

Saturday's polls saw 305 violent incidents, compared to 422 incidents during the August 20, 2009 presidential election, the defence minister said.

A total of 11 civilians, four security personnel and 27 Taliban militants were killed in shortly after voting began, security officials said.

'NATO will continue its engagement on behalf of Afghanistan, as the people and government create a secure future for themselves and one that will also bolster international security,' NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said from Brussels.

More than 500 NATO soldiers have been killed in Afghan war so far this year. Military officials have predicted a 'tough year' following the deadliest period of 2009.