Muslim cleric proposing peace talks shot dead

Kabul: A Muslim cleric advocating peace talks has been murdered in eastern Afghanistan.

Kunar provincial police chief Gen. Khalilullah Zaiyie said Monday that cleric Rahman Gul, his brother and another relative were killed on Sunday in the Chapa Dara district as they were returning to their homes.

Gul had been stressing the importance of "peace and stability" across Afghanistan.

The Italian Foreign Ministry says two Italian soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb near Herat while traveling in a convoy. Two other soldiers were wounded.

Meanwhile, Nato confirmed two US soldiers died Sunday in southern Afghanistan.

One was killed in an insurgent attack, and the other died of injuries sustained a day earlier.