Bomb blast in Afghanistan kills 12 US troops

A car bomb attack on a convoy of the US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan’s strategic eastern province of Kapisa kills 12 American troops and destroys two tanks, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says.

Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack which took place at a market in Tagab district of Kapisa Province, northeast of Afghan capital of Kabul, Friday morning.

Meanwhile, provincial governor General Mehrabuddin Safi said that at least five civilians have also been killed and 20 others injured in the Kapisa blast.

Civilian casualties inflicted by US-led troops have increased anti-US sentiments in the country.

The deaths have been the main source of friction between Kabul and Washington over the past years.

The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country.