6 Killed in Afghan Blast

Posted November 6th, 2011 at 9:35 am (UTC-5)
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Officials in northern Afghanistan say a suicide bomber has killed at least six people, including one policeman, and wounded 15.

Authorities say the attacker struck Sunday as worshippers were leaving a mosque after prayers in Baghlan province. The attack happened on the first day of the Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday, which is traditionally a time for people to pray and spend time with their families.

An Interior Ministry spokesman said two suicide bombers were involved in the operation – one who detonated his devices and another detained before he could ignite his explosives.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Taliban routinely targets Afghan officials and security forces, as well as international troops. On Friday, the Taliban issued a statement urging its fighters to avoid killing civilians.

Violence in Afghanistan's once-peaceful northern provinces has grown more visible with a series of attacks in recent years as insurgents seek to demonstrate their reach beyond the Taliban's southern heartland.

Separately, NATO says one of its service members has died following an insurgent attack in southern Afghanistan Saturday.