At least three killed in suicide blast in Afghanistan’s Kandahar

Afghan police said Saturday that at least three civilians, a woman and two children, were killed in a suicide blast on a highway near Kandahar, reported Al Jazeera. 

The attack was said to have taken place in Daman on the road leading from Kandahar to Spin Boldak near the Pakistan border. The road is close to the Kandahar airfield, which is used by NATO troops and is therefore a frequent target of extremist attacks.

"The target of the suicide bomber was foreign forces, but it exploded prematurely," Kandahar governor spokesman Javed Faisal told Agence France Press. "Three civilians were killed — two children and a woman. Seven men were wounded."

Regional Afghan army commander Abdul Hameed also said the target was NATO troops, according to Radio Free Afghanistan.

Local witnesses told Afghanistan's Khaama Press that a NATO convoy was passing through the area at the time of the attack. Al Jazeera confirmed that an international convoy was on patrol at the time. 

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has claimed responsibility for the bombing, said Al Jazeera.