Five NATO Troops Killed in Afghanistan

NATO says bomb attacks have killed five service members in southern Afghanistan.

The international coalition said a roadside bomb killed four soldiers Friday, while a fifth service member died in a separate blast in the south.  NATO did not give any other details.

Friday's casualties bring the number of international troops killed in Afghanistan since the start of the year to nine.

At least 544 soldiers died in 2011, making it NATO's second deadliest year in the 10-year war.

The international coalition is in the second phase of handing security-control over to Afghanistan's army and police in a gradual process due to be completed by the end of 2014. ---VOA News