August 12, 09 (Hamsayeh.Net) - Three more US and at least one other Polish soldiers killed today by Taliban fighters in southern parts of Afghanistan, today.

The number of foreign casualties in Afghanistan since last month's offensive code- named 'Helmand River Valley Offensive' has soared to levels not seen before. Most of the casualties were as a result of a string of effective roadside bombings and ambushes by hardy Taliban fighters.

This is creating a difficult and problematic situation for the US led coalition in Afghanistan. The number of coalition's soldiers dead or wounded has increased six-fold in July, the highest since the start of the eight year long war.

Meanwhile, unofficial polls in Afghanistan suggest Hamed Karzai is in the lead but not enough to secure the %50 of the votes necessary for a clear victory. Also according to local reports, Hamed karzai is being criticized for practicing some forms of dirty campaigning including buying votes from other political figures and parties.

Due to a protracted war and instability in Afghanistan, official corruption is rampant in the country particularly amongst government officials. The leading opposition blames Karzai for the spread of corruption in Afghanistan.