Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.
August 25, 2009

Bomb Blast Kills 30 in Southern Afghanistan
-------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=2635039:A6F02AD83191E160668B7E001782AC82C030207A0BD70133&
 
Officials and witnesses say blast took place late Tuesday, was followed
by heavy gunfire on streets 
Afghan officials say a car bomb explosion has killed at least 30 people
and wounded about 60 others in the southern city of Kandahar. Officials
and witnesses say the blast took place late Tuesday and was followed by
heavy gunfire on the streets. A provincial council member told The
Associated Press that five vehicles filled with explosives detonated
together near a Japanese construction company that hires Pakistani
engineers. Earlier Tuesday, NATO officials said a bomb blast killed four
U.S. service members in southern Afghanistan, making 2009 the deadliest
year for coalition forces since the U.S.-led invasion eight years ago.
Their deaths bring the number of foreign troops who have died in
Afghanistan this year to 295. Last year was previously the deadliest
year, with 294 killed. Thousands of U.S. Marines, British and Afghan
troops began an offensive against Taliban militants in southern
Afghanistan before the August 20 presidential and provincial elections.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.


.