Kabul, Sept 22, SPA -- An American soldier was killedin an attack on a patrol in eastern Afghanistan, the U.S.military said Wednesday, the third American servicememberto die in the country this week. American spokesman Maj. Scott Nelson said the soldier waskilled on Monday in Khost province, close to the Pakistaniborder, but said he had no further details. The military already announced the death of two U.S.soldiers on Monday in neighboring Paktika province, andsaid Wednesday that they were killed by mortar fire. The soldiers were conducting a search operation when "alarge force of anti-coalition militants was able to launchan attack" with mortars, Nelson said. Six Afghan soldierswere also wounded. The U.S.-led force called in A-10 ground attack aircraftand a B-1 bomber, which dropped two 500-pound bombs on theattackers. "At least nine of them were killed, probably more,"Nelson said.--SPA1153 Local Time 0853 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/203892