Nine NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan

The Taliban-linked militancy and violent incidents claimed lives of nine soldeisr of NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Saturday, turning the day the bloodiest one since this January for the alliance in the conflict-ridden country, ISAF confirmed in a statement.

According to the military alliance fighting terrorism in Afghanistan, the deadly fighting happened in the restive southern region where Taliban militants are more active than in other areas, Xinhua reported Sunday.

"Five International Security Assistance Force service members died following an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan Saturday," ISAF said Saturday.

"The soldiers were on patrol in Maiwand district this afternoon when a roadside bomb struck a military vehicle killing five service members on the spot," said a provincial official.

The NATO-led multinational peacekeeping force in separate statements released Saturday and Sunday also confirmed loss of four more service members in isolated incidents elsewhere in the country.

"Two International Security Assistance Force service members were killed when an Afghan National Army soldier turned his weapon against ISAF service members in western Afghanistan Saturday," ISAF said Sunday morning.