Mine clearers shot in Afghanistan

Unidentified gunmen have opened fire on a United Nations vehicle in south-eastern Afghanistan, injuring two people engaged in mine clearance.

Government officials in Kabul said they were ambushed on a road between the provinces of Paktia and Khost.

The incident occurred as the UN announced that its staff would travel with government escorts on roads in southern parts of the country.

Afghan officials have blamed supporters of the former Taleban regime for a number of attacks on aid workers.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service