A suicide bomber has blown up his vehicle near a NATO-Afghan army base in eastern Afghanistan, wounding 45 Afghan soldiers and at least seven civilians.

Paktiya provincial officials said the explosion in the Zurmat district was large, but did not kill anyone. It detonated at the gate of the base, shattering windows and damaging buildings.

Reports say insurgents fired on the base following the blast.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.