NATO: Afghan insurgents shoot, kill service member

NATO says one its service members has been shot and killed by insurgents in northern Afghanistan.

A statement today by the US-led coalition says the shooting happened yesterday. It provided no other details about the attack nor the nationality of the service member.

The slaying brings to 61 the number of coalition deaths so far this year in Afghanistan, 45 of them US troops.

Insurgents have intensified their attacks against both Afghan and NATO security forces across the country following a fierce summer of fighting. There have been a number of unsuccessful attacks against coalition convoys in recent days.

The attacks also come as most international combat forces prepare to withdraw from the country by the end of the year.