Nine were killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday after a van bomb planted by the Taliban exploded in the southern province of Helmand, AFP reported.
The Taliban suicide bomber was targeting an Afghan army and police base in the Sangin district, according to AFP. Five of the casualties were civilians, two were soldiers and two were policemen. Eight others, seven civilians, were injured.
Provincial police chief Nabi Jan Mullahkhil told AFP the van tried to enter the base but detonated at the entrance when guards stopped it.
AFP said Taliban militants claimed responsibility for the attack on their website.
Afghan security forces have been battling the group with a solo offensive in Helmand for months, according to AFP. The NATO-led coalition moved out its troops in December.
