4 U.S. soldiers killed in S Afghanistan

KABUL, Aug. 25 -- Four soldiers with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) were killed Tuesday by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion in southern Afghanistan, a statement of the alliance issued here said.

"Four ISAF service members were killed Tuesday, as a result of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonation that occurred in southern Afghanistan," it said.

It added that "Navy Chief Petty Officer Brian Naranjo confirmed that the service members were from the United States."

"They were struck while patrolling in one of the most violent areas of Afghanistan. We shall always be proud of their courage and sacrifice as they fell fighting for the good of Afghans living in the south," it further said.

U.S. Marine and Afghan security forces have launched a massive operation against Taliban militants since July.

Conflicts and violence have claimed the lives of 291 international soldiers so far this year in war-torn Afghanistan.