10 killed in Kandahar bus bombing

A bomb hidden on a bus carrying Afghan labourers from a coalition base in southern Afghanistan exploded today, killing 10 and wounding 15, police said.

The attack occurred in Kandahar city as the bus was carrying the workers from the Kandahar Airfield, the coalition headquarters in southern Afghanistan.

The blast destroyed the bus on a road in central Kandahar city, a former Taliban stronghold.

Bakery owner Amidullah said he was working in his shop when the explosion destroyed the bus.

“I was making bread. At the same time, I heard an explosion and one of my customers and one of my workers was injured. When I came out of the shop, I saw the bus totally destroyed on the ground. I saw people dead and wounded lying on the ground,” he said.

There have been occasional attacks on Afghans working for coalition forces in the past, but this is one of the largest.

Coalition spokesman Major Quentin Innis, of Canada, said the explosion clearly targeted Afghans working for the coalition.

“We believe the bomb was on the bus, inside or underneath. This is a bus that brings Afghan workers to Kandahar airfield every morning,” he said.

He said US officials believed the explosion was orchestrated by Taliban forces, who have been regaining strength in southern Afghanistan.

“It’s the first time Afghans working here have been deliberately targeted by the Taliban. These are local guys trying to support their families. They are clearly a non-military target being targeted. That's a shift in tactics for the Taliban,” he said.

Maj Innis said seven people had been killed. Eight others who were injured had been taken to Mir Wais Hospital, where coalition personnel have been dispatched to help.

“The coalition will do whatever we can to support these individuals and their families,” he said.