Afghanistan: Truck bomb kills at least six, wounds dozens

A truck bomb targeting an Afghan special forces base in an eastern province killed at least six people and wounded dozens, officials said on Thursday.

The blast was the latest in a wave of attacks launched by Taliban insurgents and their allies since most foreign troops withdrew from Afghanistan at the end of last year.

"The bomb was huge and it was carried by a mini-truck," said Aleem Fedaee, the governor of Logar province, where the blast took place. "It inflicted a lot of damage to the civilians and broke windows even a kilometre away."

Three soldiers and three civilians were among the dead, he added.

Thirteen wounded civilians were taken to a hospital about 200 metres (660 ft) from the site of the blast, a doctor at the hospital said.

He added that the explosion also wounded 11 doctors in the hospital, in the provincial capital of Pul-i-Alam, about 100 km (62 miles) from Kabul.

Afghan troops have been battling a rising insurgency that has killed and wounded thousands of soldiers, police and civilians since the beginning of the year.

There have been almost 5,000 civilian casualties in Afghanistan in the first half of the year, U.N. figures show.

related articles
Afghanistan: Seven dead after gunmen open fire on Muslim clerics

Afghanistan: Seven dead after gunmen open fire on Muslim clerics

Taliban attack on Kabul guest house leaves at least five dead
Taliban attack on Kabul guest house leaves at least five dead

Taliban attack on Kabul guest house leaves at least five dead

New Osama bin Laden documents show fixation with attacking America
New Osama bin Laden documents show fixation with attacking America

New Osama bin Laden documents show fixation with attacking America

US soldier who massacred 19 Afghan civilians is baptised and \'prays every day\' in prison
US soldier who massacred 19 Afghan civilians is baptised and 'prays every day' in prison

US soldier who massacred 19 Afghan civilians is baptised and 'prays every day' in prison

News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'

Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a  country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.

400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions

Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.

Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity

Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.

Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India

India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.