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Afghan bus blast kills civilians Afghan bus blast kills civilians
(31 minutes later)
At least 12 civilians have been killed in southern Afghanistan by a roadside bomb which blew up a bus, police and officials say.At least 12 civilians have been killed in southern Afghanistan by a roadside bomb which blew up a bus, police and officials say.
The bus was travelling through Kandahar province when it hit the device, police chief Bismullah Khan said, adding that 15 other civilians were injured.The bus was travelling through Kandahar province when it hit the device, police chief Bismullah Khan said, adding that 15 other civilians were injured.
Another official blamed Taliban insurgents for planting the bomb.Another official blamed Taliban insurgents for planting the bomb.
Militants often use such devices to attack the military, but they kill many more civilians than they do soldiers.Militants often use such devices to attack the military, but they kill many more civilians than they do soldiers.
Provincial government spokesman Zalmai Ayoubi told Reuters news agency that women and children were among the dead.Provincial government spokesman Zalmai Ayoubi told Reuters news agency that women and children were among the dead.
He blamed the Taliban and said a similar blast on the same road had killed three civilians a day earlier. He blamed the Taliban and said a similar blast on the same road - in Maywand district - had killed three civilians a day earlier.
The deaths come shortly after Anders Fogh Rasmussen made his first speech as secretary-general of Nato. Speaking in Washington, the former Danish prime minister called on European nations to stand with US forces in Afghanistan. 'More troops needed'
Rising military casualties in Afghanistan have undermined public support for the operation in many European countries. The deaths come shortly after Anders Fogh Rasmussen made his first speech as secretary-general of Nato.
Speaking in Washington, the former Danish prime minister called on European nations to stand with US forces in Afghanistan.
There are currently some 100,000 foreign soldiers in Afghanistan from more than 40 countries - more than 60,000 of them American.
Some US military commanders have warned that more troops will be needed, but US President Barack Obama says he will not decide until after a strategy review.
The commanding US officer in Afghanistan, Gen Stanley McChrystal, delivered a comprehensive review of the situation in the country to Mr Obama earlier this month. There has been no formal White Hosue response to the general's assessment.
However, rising military casualties have undermined public support for the operation in some Western countries.
Correspondents say European nations are not expected to offer any significant increase in troops unless Washington takes the lead.
The Netherlands and Canada have already set 2010 and 2011 as deadlines for withdrawal and Italy has announced plans for a "strong reduction" in its forces.