Xinhua has reported that three German soldiers were killed and five injured Friday in an ambush by Taliban insurgents in northern Afghanistan.

The soldiers were patrolling an area in Chahar Dara district, southwest of Kunduz City, when militants attacked them with rocket propelled grenades and gunfire.

"With great sadness, I have heard of the monstrous and coward attack on our troops in Afghanistan. My sympathy is with all the families of the fallen and wounded soldiers in this very difficult time," German Chancellor Angela Merkel, condemning the attack, said.

Friday's ambush was the deadliest attack this year on German troops in Afghanistan. The deaths bring the German toll to 36 since Berlin sent troops to the war-torn country in 2002.

As part of the International Security Assistance Force, about 4,500 German troops are currently in Afghanistan. (With Inputs from Agencies)