July was the deadliest month for US troops in Afghanistan since the war there started nearly nine years ago, CNN reported Friday.

Some 63 US soldiers have died this month, including three who lost their lives in roadside bomb attacks Thursday, the news channel said.

NATO's International Security Assistance Force confirmed the latest military deaths, but did not give details.

Thirteen Afghan civilians were killed Thursday by bombs and insurgents in the provinces of Ghazni, Paktia and Kandahar, ISAF said.

The number of foreign troops killed in Afghanistan has risen sharply in recent months. According to the independent internet service icasualties.org, 405 foreign soldiers have died since the beginning of the year.

Human rights groups said 1,074 civilians also lost their lives.

Before this month, June was the deadliest month for Americans when 60 US soldiers died.

US President Barack Obama has announced plans to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, ahead of a phased withdrawal scheduled to start in July 2011.