Official: Roadside bombing in southern Afghanistan kills 5

KABUL – An Afghan official says at least five civilians were killed when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in southern Kandahar province.

Samim Khpolwak, the governor’s spokesman, says the explosion, which took place in Shah Wali Kot district early on Tuesday, also wounded four people.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Kandahar is regarded by the Taliban as their heartland. It had been largely peaceful for some years until a recent resurgence in insurgent violence.

In neighbouring Helmand province, police chief Noor Agha Kemtoz says the Taliban shadow governor, Abdul Manan, was killed by Afghan security forces in Marjah district late on Monday.

However, Taliban spokesman Qari Yusouf Ahmadi denied reports of Manan’s death. The Taliban have set up many provincial “shadow” administrations mirroring the government.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.