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Afghan bus blast kills civilians Afghan bus bombing kills dozens
(about 2 hours 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 30 civilians travelling on a bus in southern Afghanistan have been killed by a roadside bomb blast, the Afghan interior ministry has said.
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 on its way from Herat to Kandahar when the device exploded, the ministry said, adding that 10 children and seven women were among the dead.
Another official blamed Taliban insurgents for planting the bomb. The most seriously wounded have been taken to a Nato base for treatment.
Militants often use such devices to attack the military, but they kill many more civilians than they do soldiers. Kandahar provincial government spokesman Zalmai Ayoubi blamed Taliban militants for planting the bomb.
Provincial government spokesman Zalmai Ayoubi said women and children were among the dead. Mr Ayoybi said a similar blast on the same road - in Maywand district - had killed three civilians on Monday.
He blamed the Taliban and said a similar blast on the same road - in Maywand district - had killed three civilians a day earlier.
The AFP news agency reported that Afghan and foreign troops arrived at the scene of the explosion, about 40km (25 miles) west of the city of Kandahar, and ferried the wounded to military bases for treatment.
'More troops needed''More troops needed'
The deaths come shortly after Anders Fogh Rasmussen made his first speech as secretary-general of Nato. The deaths come shortly after Anders Fogh Rasmussen made his first speech in the United States as Nato secretary-general.
Speaking in Washington, the former Danish prime minister called on European nations to stand with US forces in Afghanistan.
MARDELL'S AMERICA Some want to get back a strategy where the main aim is killing terrorists, not building a nation Mark Mardell BBC North America editor Read Mark's thoughts in fullMARDELL'S AMERICA Some want to get back a strategy where the main aim is killing terrorists, not building a nation Mark Mardell BBC North America editor Read Mark's thoughts in full
Speaking at the Atlantic Council 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.There are currently some 100,000 foreign soldiers in Afghanistan from more than 40 countries - more than 60,000 of them American.
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.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 review of the situation in the country to Mr Obama earlier this month.The commanding US officer in Afghanistan, Gen Stanley McChrystal, delivered a review of the situation in the country to Mr Obama earlier this month.
However, rising military casualties have undermined public support for the operation in some Western countries.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.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.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.