Afghanistan: Car bomb explosion kills 5

A truck packed with explosives blew up near a court in the eastern Afghan city of Gardez on Thursday, killing at least five people in an attack claimed by Taliban insurgents, The New York Times reported.

The explosion comes two days after at least 56 people were killed in attacks elsewhere in the country, including women and newborn babies, dealing a setback to peace plans in the war-ravaged nation.

"A car bomb explosion took place near a military court in Gardez city, which is a populated area. Dozens of civilians are feared to be dead and wounded," said Tariq Arian, an interior ministry spokesman.

Taliban spokesman, in a statement, said the rebel group was responsible for the attack.

A military spokesman in Paktia province where Gardez is located said the attack was carried out by a truck packed with explosives. Five people were killed, and 14 were wounded, he said.

Latest news