This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22549355

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Kabul blast: Suicide bomber targets foreign convoy Kabul blast: Suicide bomber targets foreign convoy
(about 2 hours later)
At least 15 people have been killed and dozens wounded in a suicide bomb attack on a military convoy in the Afghan capital, Kabul, officials say.At least 15 people have been killed and dozens wounded in a suicide bomb attack on a military convoy in the Afghan capital, Kabul, officials say.
Two US soldiers and four civilian contractors were among the dead, US and Nato officials said.Two US soldiers and four civilian contractors were among the dead, US and Nato officials said.
Nine Afghan civilians, including two children, were also reported to have died in the blast.Nine Afghan civilians, including two children, were also reported to have died in the blast.
An insurgent group linked to the Taliban, Hezb-e-Islami, told the BBC in a phone call it was responsible. An Islamic militant group, Hezb-e-Islami, told the BBC in a phone call it was responsible.
The explosives-filled Toyota Corolla was blown up beside foreign military vehicles at about 08:00 (03:30 GMT), Kabul Police Chief Gen Salangi said.The explosives-filled Toyota Corolla was blown up beside foreign military vehicles at about 08:00 (03:30 GMT), Kabul Police Chief Gen Salangi said.
Nato confirmed that four civilian contractors had been killed, but declined to give their nationalities.Nato confirmed that four civilian contractors had been killed, but declined to give their nationalities.
The US military said two of its soldiers had been killed.The US military said two of its soldiers had been killed.
Smoke rose above the industrial district of Karta-e Naw after the powerful explosion.Smoke rose above the industrial district of Karta-e Naw after the powerful explosion.
The force of the blast destroyed several houses and a wide area of the city has been cordoned off. The force of the blast destroyed several houses and a wide area of the city has been cordoned off. At least 35 people were injured.
More than 40 people are reported to have been injured.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the "cowardly" attack.Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the "cowardly" attack.
"Terrorists and enemies of Afghanistan's peace brutally targeted a residential area," he said in a statement."Terrorists and enemies of Afghanistan's peace brutally targeted a residential area," he said in a statement.
A local resident told AFP news agency: "I heard a terrible explosion and our whole building shook."A local resident told AFP news agency: "I heard a terrible explosion and our whole building shook."
'Spring offensive'
It is the first major blast in Kabul since March, when a suicide bomber blew himself up near the defence ministry, killing nine people.It is the first major blast in Kabul since March, when a suicide bomber blew himself up near the defence ministry, killing nine people.
The latest attack comes during what has been a bloody month for Isaf in Afghanistan, with at least 15 foreign military personnel killed in separate incidents since the beginning of May.The latest attack comes during what has been a bloody month for Isaf in Afghanistan, with at least 15 foreign military personnel killed in separate incidents since the beginning of May.
The Taliban announced a "spring offensive" in April, saying it would target foreign military bases and diplomatic areas.The Taliban announced a "spring offensive" in April, saying it would target foreign military bases and diplomatic areas.
Hezb-e-Islami is based in north-eastern Afghanistan and is led by the former prime minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.
The group claims to have formed a new cell to carry out suicide attacks on coalition forces, according to the Associated Press news agency. While not part of the Taliban, the insurgent group shares many of its aims.
Most international troops are scheduled to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014, and Afghan forces are due to take responsibility for the security of the whole country in the next few months, for the first time since 1992.