The bomb wounded two diggers and an Afghan National Army soldier, but their injuries are not life-threatening. The patrol also came under small arms gunfire after the blast.

The wounded soldiers were treated at the scene before being airlifted to an International Security Assistance Force medical facility at Tarin Kowt. They are all in a stable condition and the Australian soldiers' immediate families have been told about the incident.

Defence said the incident highlighted the ongoing danger posed by roadside bombs which indiscriminately target security forces and the Afghan population.-AAP