Afghan attacks kill US civilian,service member

US spokeswoman Capt. Elizabeth Mathias had no details of damage or casualties from the attack,which occurred two days before presidential elections.

The military death yesterday brought to 22 the number of US troops killed in August,while foreign and Afghan forces step up their fight against the Taliban-led insurgency raging in much of the country8217;s south and east.

A military statement would not disclose details on the latest casualties. It said only that the civilian died after insurgents attacked his patrol with gunfire.

Thousands of US Marines are pushing ahead with their largest-ever operation in Afghanistan as they try to secure parts of southern Helmand province,a major Taliban stronghold.

A number of insurgent groups also operate in eastern Afghanistan,a mountainous area that borders Pakistan.

Attacks in Afghanistan have risen steadily the last three years. US,NATO and Afghan security forces are out in force this week to help protect voters taking part in Thursday8217;s presidential election.