Afghanistan: Taliban Attack US Military Base

Militants have attacked a US base in Afghanistan, setting off bombs and torching vehicles.

At least three people, apparently Taliban insurgents, were killed in the attack near the border with Pakistan.

Several militants wearing suicide vests and carrying other weapons staged the attack, Afghan officials said. Afghan and US forces exchanged gunfire with the insurgents, and Nato helicopters joined the fight.

One car bomb was detonated in the attack, and Afghan security forces trying to clear the area were still in the process of defusing a bomb in a car, news reports said.

The attack shut down a key road used by Nato supply trucks.

Militants frequently target Nato's supply lines in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a brief statement, Nato confirmed an "unsuccessful coordinated attack by enemy forces" and said none of its personnel had been killed.

It was the latest in a surge of attacks in Afghanistan as US-led troops prepare to withdraw next year.