Taliban-linked suicide attack kills 6, wounds 12 in eastern Afghanistan

KABUL, Oct. 27  — At least six people have been confirmed dead and 12 others injured as a suicide car bomb hit Maidan Shar, the capital of eastern Wardak province 35 km west of Kabul on Saturday, provincial government spokesman Abdul Rahman Mangal said.
“The terrorists organized a suicide car bomb next to the repairing center of police vehicles at around 08:00 a.m. local time today, leaving six people dead and injuring 12 others,” Mangal told Xinhua, but refused to identify the victims and provide more details, saying investigation is underway.
However, Taliban militants have claimed responsibility for the bloody bombing.
Zabihullah Majahid, who claims to speak for the Taliban outfit, told media that “a suicide bomber targeted a military base in Maidan Shar city at 09:00 a.m. local time, killing and injuring dozens of soldiers and officers” besides destroying a huge number of military vehicles.
However, Mangal termed Majahid’s claim as mere propaganda, saying only six people were killed and 12 others injured in the suicide bombing that occurred at around 08:00 a.m. local time.
According to Mangal, the terrorist riding an explosive-laden car was attempting to take it inside the compound of the repairing center of police vehicles but he was identified and ordered to stop. Then he blew himself up near the compound.
Taliban militants have intensified activities since April, mostly in the shape of roadside and suicide bombings. Afghan observers said the Taliban would do its best to gain more grounds and consolidate positions before Winter. – XINHUA