Three Canadian Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan

Canada has about 2,700 soldiers in the southern city of Kandahar on a combat mission set to end in 2011.

Three Canadian soldiers were killed and one wounded in southern Afghanistan on Saturday when an explosive device detonated near the armored car in which they were riding, military officials said.

With the latest casualties, 103 members of the Canadian forces have lost their lives since the country's military mission in Afghanistan started in 2002. One diplomat has also been killed.

A statement by military officials did not identify the soldiers. They said further details would become available after the families were notified.

Canada has about 2,700 soldiers in the southern city of Kandahar on a combat mission set to end in 2011.

Roadside bomb attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan have risen sharply this autumn, reversing the seasonal decline that usually occurs with the onset of winter, according to Pentagon data released on Thursday.

There are some 65,000 international troops in Afghanistan, including more than 30,000 from the United States, struggling to combat worsening insurgent violence.