More die in Afghanistan violence

Afghan troops are facing insurgents in the south and east

Nine people have been killed in two fresh outbreaks of violence in Afghanistan's troubled south.

Five soldiers died and three others were injured when a remote army border in Kandahar Province came under attack, reportedly by drug smugglers.

In neighbouring Helmand Province four suspected Taleban were killed as they planted a mine on a road regularly used by military patrols, officials said.

Southern and eastern provinces have seen mounting attacks in recent months.

In Helmand Province, the bodies of the four suspected Taleban fighters were found between the towns of Musa Qala and Sangin, some 110 kilometres (70 miles) northwest of Kandahar.

On Tuesday at last 13 people were killed in a bomb blast in Kandahar - a former stronghold of the Taleban.

President Hamid Karzai has promised that the reconstruction of Afghanistan will not be deterred by violence.

He has also confirmed that he will stand as a candidate in the presidential election due in June.