TALIBAN killers have blown themselves up laying booby-trap bombs, we can reveal.

Up to 20 are thought to have died planting Improvised Explosive Devices.

They were racing to plant the IEDs before the Allied offensive Operation Moshtarak. The triggers on the IEDs have become so sensitive the terrorists are accidentally detonating them as they hide them.

Last night a highly-placed source said: "The Taliban know only too well how effective the IED has proved to be.

"It is designed to take out our lads at even the slightest touch but this has backfired on Taliban blown up by the sophistication of their bombs.

"We have evidence a significant number of Taliban have been killed in this way.

"The IED does not discriminate. It wreaks carnage."

It is believed around half the 265 British fatalities suffered in Afghanistan were caused by roadside IEDs. Meanwhile the MoD confirmed the deaths of two British servicemen, one by IED. The airman from 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, was patrolling in Kandahar. A soldier from A Company, 4th Battalion The Rifles was killed by small arms fire near Sangin.