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Deadly blast hits Afghan province | Deadly blast hits Afghan province |
(31 minutes later) | |
A suicide bomb attack has killed at least 12 people in the southern Afghan province of Helmand, officials say. | A suicide bomb attack has killed at least 12 people in the southern Afghan province of Helmand, officials say. |
According to reports, the target of the attack was a convoy of foreign troops, but all those killed were civilians. | According to reports, the target of the attack was a convoy of foreign troops, but all those killed were civilians. |
Many other people were wounded in the attack including two soldiers, a local police chief told AFP news agency. | Many other people were wounded in the attack including two soldiers, a local police chief told AFP news agency. |
An official said the attacker was on a motorbike and set off his explosives near an international military convoy in a market area of Gereshk district. | An official said the attacker was on a motorbike and set off his explosives near an international military convoy in a market area of Gereshk district. |
Gereshk is on a major road that passes through the province. | Gereshk is on a major road that passes through the province. |
"The blast took place in a crowded bazaar in the centre of the district. That is why it caused so many casualties," said police chief Abdul Razeq. | |
No group has admitted responsibility for the incident, but Taleban militants have carried out similar attacks in the past. | |
Lt Col Nick Richardson, spokesman for the British-led Nato contingent in the province, said: "We are aware of an incident which has taken place this afternoon in southern Afghanistan involving Isaf (International Security Assistance Force) troops. Further information will be released when available." | |
The Taleban still hold territory in Helmand province, mostly in the southern areas. | |
The US is to send more than 8,000 Marines there in coming weeks to double the size of the mainly-British force. |