At least 711 foreign soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan this year. -AP File Photo

KABUL: Two Nato soldiers were killed Friday in separate rebel attacks in southern and western Afghanistan on the last day of 2010, NATO said, taking the death toll for foreign forces to at least 711 for the year.

An International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) service member “died following an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan today,” ISAF said in a statement.

In a separate statement, the force said that another soldier “died following an insurgent attack in western Afghanistan today”.

It would not give further details of the incidents in which the soldiers were killed and would not reveal their nationalities, in line with its policy.

At least 711 foreign soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan this year, according to an AFP tally based on that kept by independent website iCasualties.org

2010 has been by far the bloodiest year for foreign forces in the nine-year battle against the Taliban. In 2009, 521 of them died in the country.

Around 140,000 foreign troops, most of the from the US are in Afghanistan to support the government of Hamid Karzai.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram ‘roadmap’
Updated 25 Dec, 2024

Kurram ‘roadmap’

The state must provide ironclad guarantees that the local population will be protected from all forms of terrorism.
Snooping state
25 Dec, 2024

Snooping state

THE state’s attempts to pry into citizens’ internet activities continue apace. The latest in this regard is a...
A welcome first step
25 Dec, 2024

A welcome first step

THE commencement of a dialogue between the PTI and the coalition parties occupying the treasury benches in ...
High troop losses
Updated 24 Dec, 2024

High troop losses

Continuing terror attacks show that our counterterrorism measures need a revamp. Localised IBOs appear to be a sound and available option.
Energy conundrum
24 Dec, 2024

Energy conundrum

THE onset of cold weather in the country has brought with it a familiar woe: a severe shortage of piped gas for...
Positive cricket change
24 Dec, 2024

Positive cricket change

HEADING into their Champions Trophy title defence, Pakistan are hitting the right notes. Mohammad Rizwan’s charges...