Helmand governor escapes as suicide bomber kills 18

by UK Independent (reposted)

Wed, Sep 27, 2006 6:32AM

The governor of Helmand, a key British ally in Afghanistan, was the target of a suicide bomb attack yesterday which killed 18 people.

The bomb was detonated at the front gate of the home and office of Mohammed Daoud Safi in the provincial capital, Lashkar Gar. Nine soldiers and nine civilians, including pilgrims seeking paperwork to travel to Mecca for the haj, were among those dead.

Mr Daoud, seen as President Hamid Karzai's main emissary in the war-torn south, was inside the building but escaped unhurt. He was instrumental in the deployment of British forces in the Taliban stronghold of Sangin Valley, appealing for help after an upsurge of Islamist activity in the area.

The bomber approached Mr Daoud's compound on foot and blew himself up after being challenged by a sentry. Qari Yousaf Ahmadi, who claims to be a spokesman for the Taliban in southern Afghanistan, claimed responsibility.

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http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia/article1761653.ece

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