This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/8438919.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Afghan blasts kill five soldiers Afghan blasts kill five soldiers
(about 1 hour later)
Four US soldiers and one UK serviceman have been killed in two separate bomb blasts in southern Afghanistan, officials say.Four US soldiers and one UK serviceman have been killed in two separate bomb blasts in southern Afghanistan, officials say.
The American soldiers died after an improvised explosive device went off, a statement by Nato-led forces said.The American soldiers died after an improvised explosive device went off, a statement by Nato-led forces said.
The British soldier was killed in a separate blast in Helmand province, officials said.The British soldier was killed in a separate blast in Helmand province, officials said.
The deaths on Sunday are the first attributed to hostile action in Afghanistan in 2010.The deaths on Sunday are the first attributed to hostile action in Afghanistan in 2010.
An unnamed Afghan police official was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying the attack on the US servicemen took place in Panjwayi district in Kandahar province.An unnamed Afghan police official was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying the attack on the US servicemen took place in Panjwayi district in Kandahar province.
It also reported that Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi claimed responsibility for the attack.It also reported that Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi claimed responsibility for the attack.
He called from an unknown location and gave the same location of the strike as the police official, the agency said.He called from an unknown location and gave the same location of the strike as the police official, the agency said.
Troop surgeTroop surge
Violence in Afghanistan has escalated sharply in recent months as UK and US forces continue their offensive against Taliban militants in the south.Violence in Afghanistan has escalated sharply in recent months as UK and US forces continue their offensive against Taliban militants in the south.
British soldier killed in HelmandBritish soldier killed in Helmand
US President Barack Obama announced last month he would send 30,000 new US troops to Afghanistan, with a view to finally defeating the Taliban.US President Barack Obama announced last month he would send 30,000 new US troops to Afghanistan, with a view to finally defeating the Taliban.
Nato countries followed suit by pledging another 7,000 troops.Nato countries followed suit by pledging another 7,000 troops.
But the the Taliban have vowed to respond with force and step up their fight in Afghanistan. A Taliban commander told the BBC that if more US troops came, more would die.But the the Taliban have vowed to respond with force and step up their fight in Afghanistan. A Taliban commander told the BBC that if more US troops came, more would die.
More than 900 US soldiers have died in Afghanistan since 2001.More than 900 US soldiers have died in Afghanistan since 2001.
Parliamentary setbackParliamentary setback
The violence comes days after Afghan MPs rejected the majority of Hamid Karzai's proposed new cabinet.The violence comes days after Afghan MPs rejected the majority of Hamid Karzai's proposed new cabinet.
The move was described as a political setback by the UN's mission chief in Afghanistan, Kai Eide. But some Afghan MPs have been lauding the move as a sign of a vibrant democracy.The move was described as a political setback by the UN's mission chief in Afghanistan, Kai Eide. But some Afghan MPs have been lauding the move as a sign of a vibrant democracy.
Parliament approved just seven of 24 ministers nominated by Mr Karzai including five of the highest-profile ministers thought to have Western backing.Parliament approved just seven of 24 ministers nominated by Mr Karzai including five of the highest-profile ministers thought to have Western backing.
It rejected a former warlord and the only woman nominated for the cabinet.It rejected a former warlord and the only woman nominated for the cabinet.
Parliament is set to begin a 45-day recess on Tuesday. Under the constitution, rejected nominees cannot be proposed for the same post again. Mr Karzai ordered parliament to suspend its 45-day winter recess, which was to begin on Tuesday. Under the constitution, rejected nominees cannot be proposed for the same post again.
A spokesman for President Karzai said ministries were still functioning.A spokesman for President Karzai said ministries were still functioning.
But some analysts argue the delay in augmenting key ministries could hamper attempts to bolster civilian institutions, which is part of US President Barack Obama's wider Afghan strategy.But some analysts argue the delay in augmenting key ministries could hamper attempts to bolster civilian institutions, which is part of US President Barack Obama's wider Afghan strategy.
Mr Karzai is due in London for an international conference on Afghanistan at the end of January.Mr Karzai is due in London for an international conference on Afghanistan at the end of January.