At least four Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed when a roadside bomb exploded while the soldiers were trying to defuse it in eastern Kunar province on Tuesday evening, local officials said.
One other soldier was injured in the explosion, officials said.
The incident took place in Dangam district of the province, where the soldiers found an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during an military operation, provincial spokesman Wasifullah Wasifi said.
"The insurgents had placed several roadside bomb in the area to disrupt the military operation," Mr Wasifi said.
Roadside bombs are the largest killer of Afghan forces as well as the civilians in the country. It's said to be the weapon of choice for the Taliban and other insurgent groups.
The officials said that some insurgents were also killed in the operation, but couldn't provide numbers about the casuialties.
Dangam district has bordered with Pakistan and insurgents frequently targeting the local security forces.