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    October 31, 2011

Afghan Suicide Blast Targets NGO

   VOA News
   Afghan security forces gather at the site of a suicide bomb attack in
   Kandahar, October 31, 2011.
   Photo: AFP
   Afghan security forces gather at the site of a suicide bomb attack in
   Kandahar, October 31, 2011.

   Afghan officials say a suicide car bomb blast has killed four people
   near the offices of a non-government organization in the southern city
   of Kandahar.
   Authorities say at least four people were wounded in the Monday morning
   blast.
   After the explosion, armed insurgents rushed into the area and seized
   control of an animal clinic. Afghan officials say the insurgents
   exchanged gunfire with security forces.
   The bombing took place near a compound used by several international
   organizations, including United Nations agencies.
   The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the blast. A Taliban
   spokesman said a U.N. agency was the target of the attack. However,
   local officials said the car bomb exploded outside the offices of the
   U.S.-based International Relief and Development organization.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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