04 July 2009 - 08H01

Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan: military

Two US soldiers have been killed in an explosion in eastern Afghanistan, according to the US military, as Afghan authorities reported that 32 rebels died in an ensuing US helicopter attack.

"There was an incident with a possible IED (improvises explosive device) in Paktika province this morning in which two US service members were killed," Sergeant Charles March, a military spokesman said.

The military spokesman could not give further details but Hamidullah Zhwak, a spokesman for the local administration, said the US casualties occurred when a fuel tanker was exploded by the rebels in front of a government building.

"After the blast the American helicopters came in and attacked the Taliban who were preparing to attack the district headquarters," he said, referring to the Zirok district where the incident took place.

"Thirty-two Taliban were killed," Zhwak said.

The US military, however, could not immediately confirm the militant casualties.

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