NATO says a bomb has killed two coalition service members in southern Afghanistan.

Monday night's statement did not provide further details or nationalities.

NATO and Afghan troops began a major operation to wrest back control of the south from the Taliban insurgency in July.

They have established some pockets of security but insurgents still carry out daily attacks and bombings.

Analysts say the operation's ultimate test of success will be whether it enables the Afghan government to establish its presence and win public support by providing services to the people.