Suicide attack kills 12 security men in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (KUNA) -- At least 12 people were killed and over 30 others wounded on Monday when a suicide bomber struck a special force base in Afghanistan's central Maidan Wardak province, said officials.
Spokesman for provincial governor Rahman Mangal told media that the incident happened after a car bomb exploded close to a base where Afghan special forces are stationed.
A firefight erupted between the attackers and National Directorate of Security (NDS) personnel stationed in the Bagh-i-Zanana area of the provincial capital after the blast, he said.
The official confirmed the suicide car attack, saying a second car bombing was thwarted while a third suicide attacker was frustrated by security forces soon after the blast.
Afghan Public Health Director, Dr. Mohammad Salim Ashgharkhel told media that 12 security personnel were killed while 30 others wounded in the bombing. Around six of the injured were reported critical. At least three attackers were killed in the attack while another attacker detonated an explosive-laden vehicle close to the base.
According to local media, spokesman for Taliban rebels, Zabihullah Mujahid claimed credit for the complex attack. He claimed that the attackers entered the facility after the bombing and killed several security personnel.
The attack came days after United States Special Representative on Peace and Reconciliation in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad held talks with Pakistan's military and political leadership in federal capital Islamabad.
The US envoy met Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan; Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa to discuss the progress achieved so far in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
The meeting followed a telephone call by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to PM Khan to discuss the recent efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. (end) sbk.mt