Afghanistan

At least nine killed in Afghan blast

Article published on the 2008-08-18 Latest update 2008-08-18 09:23 TU

Afghanistan Independence Day celebrations.
(Photo : AFP)

A suicide car bomb exploded outside a US base in eastern Afghanistan Monday, killing at least nine Afghans and wounding 13 more, officials say. The blast did not hit the base in the eastern town of Khost and Afghan security forces were able to prevent a second explosion moments later.

"Insurgents detonated a vehicle-borne IED (improvised explosive device) outside a US base in Khost province today, killing nine Afghan local nationals and wounding another 13 according to initial reports," the US-led coalition said in a statement.

A secretary to the Khost governor, Mohammad Bilal, gave the same toll. "Police identified him and opened fire on him. He came out of the car and escaped on a motorcycle and disappeared," he said.

US troops helped to evacuate the wounded to a hospital and were providing medical care, the coalition statement said.

The attack came as Afghanistan was marking its independence from Britain 89 years ago, with an increase of security in the capital after warnings from Nato's International Security Assistance Force of possible attacks.

The Taliban has not claimed responsibility for the attack, but it is similar to many carried out by the militant group. There are nearly 70,000 international troops in Afghanistan helping the Afghan security forces to fight the insurgency, which has grown steadily year on year.