Afghanistan - pre-election violence

Twenty-one dead, rockets hit Kabul

Article published on the 2009-08-04 Latest update 2009-08-04 15:35 TU

President and candidate Hamid Karzai at a meeting in Gardez
(Photo: Reuters)

Afghan officials say that 21 people died on Tuesday as violence escalates before this month's presidential election. At dawn nine rockets hit the capital, Kabul.

In the southern province of Zabul, a suicide-bomber killed four civilians and a secret service agent, according to provincial police. Two more agents and 16 civilians were injured when he blew himself up near a secret service vehicle in a crowded market.

In the troubled province of Helmand, clashes between the army and rebels left 15 Taliban dead, according to military chiefs.

Mohammad Haleem Fidyea, the governor of Wardak province, which is near Kabul, survived when four landmines went off as his car passed.

The New Zealand army, working with the Afghan army in central Bamiyan province, reports that it has captured Mullah Borhan, an important Taliban leader.

The day began with nine rockets hitting Kabul, which had been spared attacks in recent months. A man and a child were wounded. The Taliban claimed responsibility.

President Hamid Karzai visited Gardez, the capital of Paktia province, for a two-hour visit. He arrived by helicopter and held an election rally.