German casualties

Two German soldiers were injured when their armored vehicle was hit by a blast from an improvised explosive device in the Kunduz region of northern Afghanistan.

One of the soldiers was seriously wounded, but is not in mortal danger, according to German Military Operations Command in Potsdam. "The condition of the soldiers is stable," a statement said.

Both soldiers were evacuated from the scene by helicopter. They were expected to be taken home to Germany for further medical treatment in the next few days.

Taliban militants have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Week of fatalities

Afghan officials said that the vehicle had been travelling as part of a convoy patrolling the district of Chardarah on Sunday morning when the blast occurred. An explosive device appeared to have been hidden at the side of the road, said district governor Abdul Wahid Omarkhel.

The incident came at the end of a week in which more than 30 NATO soldiers were killed in Afghanistan.

Kunduz, which is located in the relatively peaceful northern region, has seen increased Taliban activity in the past few years. Germany has more than 4,000 troops stationed in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.

Author: Richard Connor (dpa/AFP/AP)
Editor: Chuck Penfold