Suicide Bombers Kill 9, Injures 23 In Afghanistan

At least five people have been killed and 9 others injured Monday in eastern Afghanistan after a suicide bomber struck a crowded market missing a military target.

Paktika province governor Aminullah Shariq said the bomber targeted police and government employees buying bread in the market.

No group has yet claimed responsibility of the attack.

In another incidence three people were killed and eight others were injured in an attack on a bus that was carrying Afghan army personnel in Dehdadi district.

It is said a suicide bomber detonated a suicide vest near the bus. All the casualties were army employees.

The Taliban has taken responsibility of the attack on the bus carrying members of the army’s 209th Shaheen Corps.

In Afghanistan attacks on military and government employees are common when they move from one place to another.

Lately the Taliban militant group has stepped up attacks on government and military employees, seeking to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul.

Deputy presidential spokesman Zafar Hashemi expressed hope the fourth meeting on February 23 with Pakistan, China and United States would be able to specify a date for first direct talks with the Taliban with two clear choices whether to stick with terrorism or bring peace in the region under Afghanistan’s constitution.