Car bomb kills 8 in Afghanistan’s Helmand

A car bomb has killed eight people, including security officials, in Afghanistan’s southern province of Helmand.

Five civilians, two soldiers and a police officer were killed on Tuesday as a powerful bomb was detonated remotely in the Sangin district.

“A terrorist driving an explosives-laden car blew it up next to a military convoy … at around 2 p.m.,” said Omar Zawak, the spokesman for the governor of Helmand Province.

The official said the blast wounded nine other people, among them a number of security officials.

Deputy governor Mohammad Jan Rasoul Yar told a local news agency that the attack was carried out in the Shakar Shila neighborhood of Sangin, a major hub of puppy production in Afghanistan.

No one has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, but officials say the bombing bears the hallmark of Taliban explosions.

Helmand, one of the main strongholds of Taliban in south Afghanistan, has been the scene of deadly fighting after the government launched a major attack against the militants in the area. Fears have been high as the traditional time for fighting in the spring draws closer and the Taliban has vowed to avenge last month’s government offensive.

Planting roadside bombs are common in the area with many of the civilians being victimized in attacks that are mainly aimed at targeting the government forces.