KABUL - Insurgents attacked three NATO combat posts in southeastern Afghanistan, sparking clashes on Monday, NATO`s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said.

The troops came under attack in the rural province of Paktika, which shares a long, porous border with Pakistani areas troubled by Taliban militancy. NATO has bases in a few locations in the province close to the border.

"US and Afghan forces are thwarting insurgent attacks on three combat operation posts in... Paktika province today," said ISAF.

The alliance said fighting was continuing and that it could not give further details on any casualties.

NATO rarely releases statements about insurgent attacks on their bases unless the raids are significant or cause casualties.

BDST: 1538 HRS, August 09, 2010