'Unarmed' Afghan soldiers killed

The attack happened in Zabul province

Suspected Taleban rebels have killed at least seven Afghan soldiers in an attack on a government post in the south of the country.

Officials say the attackers made the soldiers lay down their weapons and then shot them.

The incident took place in the remote Shinkay district of Zabul province late on Wednesday.

Correspondents say violence appears to be increasing in the run-up to presidential elections on 9 October.

'Opened fire'

Governor Khan Mohammed told the Associated Press news agency that at least 40 armed men attacked the security checkpoint in Shinkay district.

He said seven soldiers surrendered.

"They laid down their weapons, but the Taleban opened fire on them," the governor said. The information came from two soldiers who managed to escape.

The Taleban has warned Afghans not to vote in the presidential elections. They view President Hamid Karzai as a puppet of the United States.