Three German soldiers were among the seven people killed in a bomb attack in northern Afghanistan Saturday, officials and residents reported. The deadly attack was carried out in Kunduz province around 10 a.m. (local time). Police officials confirmed the killing of the German soldiers and civilians. A senior official, requesting anonymity, said that he could confirm the killing of at least two German soldiers and injury of two others. He said four civilians were also perished in the attack targeting the convoy. Another official said three foreign soldiers were killed. Four civilians died in the blast and 14 people, including two German soldiers, were wounded, another official said.
| The soldiers had been patrolling the city of Kunduz on foot and in a vehicle when the bomber struck. |
A security official blamed the attack on Taliban militants, now stepping up attacks following the traditional winter lull. Kunduz security officer General Noor Muhammad confirmed the blast and casualties but would not give the exact number of foreign soldiers killed in the attack.
German soldiers are operating in the northern Kunduz province as part of the NATO's mission in Afghanistan. In separate clashes in the country's southeastern and central parts, the Afghan officials informed about the killing of at least 85 Taliban fighters in ground and air offensives by the Afghan and foreign troops.
On Thursday, roadside explosions killed 11 Afghan police officers and Afghanistan's information minister was wounded in a bombing blamed on the Taliban. The attacks followed the death of the militants' top operational commander, Mullah Dadullah, in a U.S.-led coalition raid last weekend. His death was considered the biggest blow to the Taliban since they were driven from power in 2001. The Taliban had vowed to step up attacks against foreign forces in Afghanistan and said they had trained hundreds of bombers.