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Kabul Blast, Attacks Elsewhere Challenge Afghan Truce

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - A bombing in the Afghan capital, Kabul, Wednesday injured
   at least nine civilians, the first significant incident of violence
   during the weeklong reduced fighting period agreed to between
   U.S.-backed Afghan security forces and Taliban insurgents.

   Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the improvised
   explosive device was planted in a motorcycle. He said a woman was among
   the casualties. Rahimi added an investigation was underway to determine
   who was behind the attack.

   There were no immediate claims of responsibility.

   The Taliban swiftly denied its involvement, saying the blast "seems to
   be the malicious work of intelligence networks trying to create
   distrust."

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