Kabul suicide bomb kills five Afghans, one US soldier

A Taliban suicide car bomb killed five Afghan civilians and a US soldier in Kabul yesterday, the third such attack in the capital in eight days in a Taliban offensive launched during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

At least 47 people have been killed in the three suicide attacks in Kabul, normally more peaceful and secure than the restive south.

The Afghan government and foreign troops are struggling to stop suicide attacks which sap faith in their ability to provide security and develop a country ravaged by 30 years of war.

"A routine convoy operation here in Kabul today was hit by a suicide, vehicle-born, improvised explosive device," said US military spokesman Lieutenant-Commander Clint Larson. "One US soldier was injured in the attack. He has since died of his wounds."

Two large, black Chevrolet four-wheel drive vehicles were hit by the blast. One of the vehicles lay on its side engulfed in flames, the other received minor damage.

"I can see fire and smoke coming from the foreign vehicles," said one witness, Ghiasuddin Barez. "The explosion took place about 100 metres in front of me. There were two black vehicles on fire and people running and screaming."

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, part of their Nasrat (Victory) offensive during Ramadan. Taliban fighters believe there will be more rewards in heaven for those killed for their cause during the holy month of fasting.

Five Afghan civilians were killed and five wounded in the blast, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.