KABUL (Reuters/AFP) - A roadside bomb killed a United States soldier and wounded another when their patrol went to the assistance of Afghan troops in the southern province of Helmand, the Nato-led forces in Afghanistan said in a statement on Tuesday (Aug 23).

"One US service member died as a result of wounds sustained during operations near Lashkar Gah in Helmand today," the coalition said, adding that another American and six Afghan soldiers were wounded.

The province, a traditional stronghold of the Taleban and a major centre for the opium production, has seen fierce fighting in recent weeks.

Taleban forces have made gains across Helmand in the past year, forcing government forces to abandon some bases and checkpoints in a bid to consolidate their defenses in and around key districts.

The statement gave no further details. But, around 100 American troops have been deployed in Helmand to provide support for the hard-pressed government troops, according to the US military.