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Blast kills top Afghan official Blast kills top Afghan official
(about 1 hour later)
The deputy governor of Afghanistan's Helmand province has been killed in a bomb attack on a mosque, officials say.The deputy governor of Afghanistan's Helmand province has been killed in a bomb attack on a mosque, officials say.
Deputy governor Haji Pir Mohammed was one of seven people - including the bomber - killed in the explosion at the start of afternoon prayers.Deputy governor Haji Pir Mohammed was one of seven people - including the bomber - killed in the explosion at the start of afternoon prayers.
Eighteen people were also hurt in the suicide bombing in Helmand's provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, police said.Eighteen people were also hurt in the suicide bombing in Helmand's provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, police said.
Helmand is a major stronghold of the Taleban, the hardline Islamist militia that formerly ruled the country.Helmand is a major stronghold of the Taleban, the hardline Islamist militia that formerly ruled the country.
Most of the 6,000 British troops serving as part of a Nato force in Afghanistan are also based in the southern province and Canada has 2,500 troops there.Most of the 6,000 British troops serving as part of a Nato force in Afghanistan are also based in the southern province and Canada has 2,500 troops there.
Helmand is a major centre for opium production and international efforts to curb the trade have had limited effect.Helmand is a major centre for opium production and international efforts to curb the trade have had limited effect.
Mr Mohammed was killed at the start of afternoon prayers
The attack comes as three Western reports warn that Nato is not winning in Afghanistan and the country faces a humanitarian catastrophe.The attack comes as three Western reports warn that Nato is not winning in Afghanistan and the country faces a humanitarian catastrophe.
Attacks by the Taleban during the past year have been the highest recorded since the regime was ousted by US-led forces in 2001.Attacks by the Taleban during the past year have been the highest recorded since the regime was ousted by US-led forces in 2001.
Child beggar
According to Helmand's police chief, Mohammed Hussain Andiwal, Thursday's attack took place at the start of afternoon prayers in the mosque.According to Helmand's police chief, Mohammed Hussain Andiwal, Thursday's attack took place at the start of afternoon prayers in the mosque.
Child beggar
He said Haji Pir Mohammed had just earlier been in a meeting with Helmand's governor.He said Haji Pir Mohammed had just earlier been in a meeting with Helmand's governor.
Those hurt included a four-year-old child who had been begging at the mosque's entrance, Mr Andiwal said.Those hurt included a four-year-old child who had been begging at the mosque's entrance, Mr Andiwal said.
According to a local health official interviewed by AFP news, six bodies had been brought to a local hospital, "including the deputy provincial governor".According to a local health official interviewed by AFP news, six bodies had been brought to a local hospital, "including the deputy provincial governor".
The mosque where the attack took place is said to be close to several provincial government offices.The mosque where the attack took place is said to be close to several provincial government offices.
Meanwhile in Kabul, a suicide bomber driving a car killed one civilian and injured four others, including an army officer.Meanwhile in Kabul, a suicide bomber driving a car killed one civilian and injured four others, including an army officer.
The interior ministry said the attacker targeted an army bus close to the city centre. The device is thought to have gone off early.The interior ministry said the attacker targeted an army bus close to the city centre. The device is thought to have gone off early.