Spanish soldier dies in Afghanistan blast

An explosion has killed a Spanish soldier serving with the US-led NATO troops in Afghanistan, amid widespread discontent over the foreign forces' handling of the war.

Five other Spanish troopers were wounded in the deadly incident that took place at Syah Washann, near Herat in western Afghanistan. Media reports said the blast was caused by a landmine.

Spain has over 1,200 soldiers in Afghanistan and is expected to increase its presence in the conflict-torn country.

Madrid recently agreed to a Washington request for the deployment of 220 more Spanish troops to Afghanistan.

The United States has called for troop reinforcements in response to the escalating Taliban insurgency, which is at its highest level since the 2001US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

Despite the presence of over 100,000 foreign troops in the country, the escalated militancy has made the current year the deadliest for foreign forces, as well as Afghan civilians.

The mounting number of Western soldiers coming home in body bags has sent support for the war plummeting in Europe, Canada, and the United States.