At least 15 people were wounded in a suspected suicide bomb attack near two government buildings in Afghanistan's southern city of Kandahar, police and a government official said.

The blast hit between Kandahar's main intelligence office and a compound used by the provincial government council, said Zalmai Ayoubi, a spokesman for Kandahar's governor.

A provincial police officer said the blast was caused by a suspected suicide bomber and that at least 15 people were wounded, although few other details were immediately available.

Violence has escalated sharply this year in Afghanistan, where the resurgent Taliban have stepped up their attacks against government and foreign forces.