According to official reports, friendly fire by German troops killed six Afghan soldiers after three German troops died in fighting with the Taliban in Afghanistan.

CNN has reported that the German forces in northern Kunduz province mistook the Afghan soldiers for insurgents, the Afghan Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

The U. S. broadcaster further said that the Afghan troops were taking food to troops in Khakani village Friday evening when they came under fire.

According to CNN, Kunduz Gov. Mohammad Omar said three German soldiers were killed and five others wounded in a firefight with Taliban fighters earlier in the day.

It was further reported by the New York Times that German military officials said the Afghan troops were riding in civilian cars and were fired upon when they failed to stop after being signaled to do so as they approached a German base.

A NATO spokesman told the Times that the Afghan Defense Ministry and Omar said the troops were in military vehicles. The incident was being investigated. (With Inputs from Agencies)