Afghan Government officials say five Afghan soldiers have been killed in an attack by suspected Taleban rebels in Kandahar Province.
The five were reportedly travelling in a convoy north of Kandahar city, in the heartland of the former Taleban authorities.
An American military spokesman said two United States soldiers were injured in exchanges of fire in Paktika and Kunar provinces.
Correspondents say the attacks are the latest in a wave of violence against coalition forces in the south and east of Afghanistan.
Government forces backed by American troops launched an operation to combat rebel activity in the area two weeks ago.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
