5 US troops killed in southern Afghan attacks

KABUL - The military says five U.S. troops have died in attacks in southern Afghanistan, where American and NATO forces have ramped up operations against the Taliban.

Three troops died in a roadside bombing, one was shot to death by insurgents and another died in an attack while on patrol. The military statement released Friday said all five died Thursday.

Roadside bombs now account for the majority of U.S. and NATO casualties in what has been the deadliest year of the war for international forces and have proven especially deadly in the south, which is largely controlled by the Taliban.