WORLD BRIEFING / AFGHANISTAN

British officials say five soldiers were killed on patrol in Afghanistan. The new casualties bring the British death toll to 15 in the last 10 days as fighting in Helmand province intensifies.

Three other combat deaths in separate attacks were announced earlier, making it one of the worst days for British forces since the war began seven years ago. Officials say families of the dead soldiers have been notified. Their names have not been released.