A suicide bomber at an Afghanistan funeral killed nine people, and Taliban attacks increased as remaining foreign troops prepare to leave the country.
The incident in the Burka area of Baghlan province Monday occurred at a funeral for a pro-government tribal chief, Hakim Bay. A suicide bomber detonated a vest full of explosives, said Gen. Aminullah Amarkhil, provincial police chief. Although no group took responsibility, the Taliban was suspected.
Local government official Taj Mohammed Taqwa said, "More than 40 percent of the Burka district is under the control of the Taliban, and they can freely carry on their attacks," The Washington Post reported.
Children were among the 18 wounded.
"This is Taliban," Burka resident Mohammad Tahir said. "Only Taliban conduct suicide bombing, and they are the enemies of Afghan people."
Taliban suicide bombers typically target government and security forces, but have recently stepped up attacks on civilians. Taliban sympathizers, who claimed they targeted police officials, killed over 50 people at a volleyball match in eastern Paktita province on Nov. 23.
The capital city of Kabul has been struck by at least a dozen bombings recently, mostly aimed at foreigners. Gen. Zahir Zahir, Kabul chief of police, resigned his position Sunday, but his spokesman said his resignation was rejected by the government and Zahir resumed his position.
Taliban groups have also taken over an Afghan National Guard position in Helmand province, and are engaged in attempting to take Camp Shorabak, a massive Afghan military base formerly used by British and U.S. troops.
