Suicide bomb attack kills 28 in Afghanistan

A suicide bomber on a motorbike set off his explosives in a crowded area in southern Afghanistan today, and preliminary reports said up to 28 people were killed and about 60 wounded, officials said.

The explosion went off in the town of Gereshk in Helmand province, the world's largest poppy-growing region and site of the country's worst violence this year.

Gereshk district chief Abdul Manaf Khan said about 28 people were killed, including 13 police and 15 civilians. Dr Tahir Khan said 23 people were killed and 59 wounded.

The blast in Gereshk's crowded main square, just before evening prayers in this Muslim country. Khan said the explosion went off near a taxi stand.

Taliban militants have set off a record number of suicide blasts this year - more than 100 through the end of August - but few have been as deadly as the Helmand attack.

The Taliban typically aim their attacks at international and Afghan military and police forces.