Taliban suicide bomber kills nine Afghan civilians
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
KHOST, (Afghanistan), Aug 18 (Reuters): A Taliban suicide bomber rammed an explosives-packed car into the gate of the main US military base in southeastern Afghanistan Monday, killing nine civilians and wounding 13, Afghan and US officials said.
The bombing comes at a time of heightened security as military and diplomatic officials issued warnings that intelligence reports indicate the al Qaeda-backed Taliban is planning a large attack to coincide with Independence Day celebrations Monday.
Two more suicide bombers in another car approached the base near the southeastern town of Khost as security forces dealt with the aftermath of the first attack, but were shot dead by police before they were able to detonate their explosives, Khost's governor, Arsala Jamal, told Reuters.
"The victims were all poor laborers and civilians. This was a barbaric act carried out by the enemies of Afghanistan at a time of celebration of independence," he said.
Violence has surged in Afghanistan this year as the Taliban step up their campaign of guerrilla attacks, backed by roadside and suicide bombs to oust the pro-Western Afghan government and drive out foreign troops. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the blast.
The bombing comes at a time of heightened security as military and diplomatic officials issued warnings that intelligence reports indicate the al Qaeda-backed Taliban is planning a large attack to coincide with Independence Day celebrations Monday.
Two more suicide bombers in another car approached the base near the southeastern town of Khost as security forces dealt with the aftermath of the first attack, but were shot dead by police before they were able to detonate their explosives, Khost's governor, Arsala Jamal, told Reuters.
"The victims were all poor laborers and civilians. This was a barbaric act carried out by the enemies of Afghanistan at a time of celebration of independence," he said.
Violence has surged in Afghanistan this year as the Taliban step up their campaign of guerrilla attacks, backed by roadside and suicide bombs to oust the pro-Western Afghan government and drive out foreign troops. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the blast.