Last updated (GMT/UTC): 17.03.2010 08:48
Afghan officials say two would-be suicide bombers dressed in burqas were shot dead today as they tried to enter the compound of an international aid organization in the southern province of Helmand.
Dawood Ahmadi, spokesman for Helmand's provincial government, said the two men were wearing explosives-packed vests beneath the burqas and fired guns at the guards of the International Relief and Development building in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah.
Although Ahmadi said one bomber's explosives detonated during the gun battle, he said only the suicide attackers were killed. The attack came amid increased security after at least five suicide bombers on March 13 attacked the nearby city of Kandahar -- killing 40 people and injuring more than 60.
Meanwhile, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force says two of its soldiers were killed on March 16 by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan. They did not reveal their nationalities or give details about the blast.
compiled from agency reports