Two Spanish soldiers killed in Afghan attack

MADRID, Sep 24 (Reuters) Two Spanish soldiers may have died and at least another two were injured when their vehicle was hit by an explosion in Afghanistan today, the Spanish defence ministry said.

In a statement, the ministry said the Spanish patrol was attacked at about 1230 IST near Shewan, northwest of Farah.

''In principle, two Spanish soldiers may have died and there are at least another two who are seriously injured,'' the ministry said.

Defence Minister Jose Antonio Alonso is due to give a news conference later today.

Earlier today, two Italian soldiers kidnapped in western Afghanistan, where Spanish troops are also based, were freed in a raid by NATO-led forces.

About 700 Spanish troops are based in Afghanistan.

Reuters JK RN1511