Car bomb kills 9, wounds 70 inside Afghan gated community linked to Karzai family in south

KABUL – Afghan officials say a car bomb has exploded inside an elite gated community linked to the family of President Hamid Karzai near the southern city of Kandahar. At least nine people are dead and more than 70 wounded.

Kandahar government spokesman Javeed Faisal says the Friday evening blast happened inside Aino Mina, a housing complex on the northern outskirts of the city that was developed in part by Mahmood Karzai, the president’s brother.

He says the car bomb exploded next to a restaurant area where families were dining. An investigation is underway into how the attacker slipped past the community’s heavy security.

Dr. Samad Ahmadi said at least nine bodies had been brought to Mirwais Hospital. He added that many of the wounded were in critical condition.