NATO soldier killed in Afghanistan

(CNN) -- A soldier from NATO's International Security Assistance force was killed and two others were wounded during an explosion Friday in southern Afghanistan, ISAF said.

The incident occurred in Helmand province -- one of the country's main poppy-growing regions.

"Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of these brave soldiers who gave their lives for the security of the Afghan people," said Lt. Col. Sarto LeBlanc, a spokesman for Regional Command South.

The wounded were taken to a military medical facility for treatment. Their nationalities were not immediately announced.

This week, U.S. and British forces launched an offensive against Taliban militants in Helmand. There has been a surge in suspected Taliban attacks in southern Afghanistan, especially against the police. E-mail to a friend

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