DHAKA: Five Nato soldiers have been killed in an incident in southern Afghanistan, the Nato-led force in the country says.

The International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) says the incident took place on Monday but gave no details.

The Isaf force currently has soldiers from 50 contributing nations in Afghanistan.

Taliban militants have stepped up attacks ahead of the planned withdrawal of most foreign troops from the country at the end of 2014.

Most troops stationed in the south are American, but Nato has not confirmed the nationality of these casualties.

Afghanistan is set to hold the second round of its presidential election later this week.

Insurgents, who vowed to disrupt campaigning and voting, attacked the campaign rally of one of the contenders last week, reports the BBC.

BDST: 1251 HRS, JUNE 10, 2014