Two attacks killed four NATO occupation soldiers Tuesday in eastern Afghanistan, taking to 288 the number of troops killed so far this year.

Two attacks killed four NATO occupation soldiers Tuesday in eastern Afghanistan, taking to 288 the number of troops killed so far this year.

Three soldiers were killed in an improvised bomb explosion and the fourth in an attack, the international force said, without giving further details or announcing their nationalities.

The deaths came one day after a British soldier was found dead close to his post in the restive southern province of Helmand hours after going missing, overshadowing a surprise visit by British premier David Cameron to the area.

The four deaths on Tuesday took place close to the border with Pakistan.