South Korean soldier killed in Afghan blast-Seoul

SEOUL, Feb 27 (Reuters) A South Korean soldier was among those killed in a bomb attack outside a US military base in Afghanistan where US vice President Dick Cheney was visiting, South Korea's Defence Ministry said today.

Sergeant Yoon Jang-ho was on guard duty outside the main gate to the base and was killed in the suicide blast, a South Korean defence ministry official said by telephone.

NATO put the toll from the attack at four, including the bomber. Local police say 10 people died. An American soldier was among those killed.

South Korea has about 150 troops in Afghanistan on a peace and reconstruction mission. It also maintains a military presence in Iraq.

REUTERS MS KP1538