In Afghanistan, at least 12 civilians including five children were killed in a roadside bomb killed in southeastern Paktika province today, while 11 militants were killed by NATO-led forces in southern Helmand province.

Provincial governor spokesman of Paktika, Mukhlis Afghan said two women, five children and five men were killed when they were travelling from the Pakistani town Quetta to the border Afghan district of Wazikhil. He said five others were injured in the incident.

Taliban militants heavily rely on the use of roadside bombs as part of their strategy to fight Afghan and NATO-led troops. The Afghan president’s office condemned the bombing in a statement and blamed the enemies of peace and people in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people protested in Kabul today against a spate of civilian casualties caused by international forces and chanted anti-US slogans. The protest came five days after nine Afghan boys were gunned down by two attack helicopters as they collected firewood in eastern Kunar province.

The incident had prompted expression of regret from US President Barack Obama and a rare public apology from top US commander General David Petraeus. United Nations called for a review of air strikes by foreign forces following the incident.