Asia-Pacific

Suicide bomber killed in S Afghanistan

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-12-17 15:44

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - A suicide bomber was killed in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province Friday when his explosive vest was detonated prematurely, a police official said.

Related readings: Afghan police nab bombers, but on TV  Obama claims major progress as Afghan war rolls on

"A suicide bomber was killed inside the big mosque in Panjwai district's bazaar when his explosive vest went off prematurely at around 4 am local time," Azam Khan, the police chief of Panjwai district, told Xinhua.

He said the terrorist had the intention of attacking the family and relatives of a policeman who was killed days ago in the province.

The relatives of the policeman were expected to hold a special praying for the deceased later Friday.

The blast also caused damage to the mosque building, he said, adding that no casualty other than the attacker occurred in the incident.

Security forces have arrested two suspects who were believed to be involved in organizing the attack, said the police chief. ?

Taliban militants who often attack government service members and officials have yet to make comments.

Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban, has been experiencing increasing militancy over the past couple of years despite continued military operations since the middle of this year.