Kabul suicide attack 'kills four'

The blast targeted Kamaludin Khan Achikzay, an intelligence director who was driving to work, according to a statement by the Afghan intelligence services.

Achikzay was unhurt by the bombing.

Mullah Dadullah, A Taliban military commander, claimed responsibility for the bombing.

The attack targeted "US spies", he said, speaking by satellite phone from an undisclosed location.

Al Jazeera's James Bays, reporting from Kabul at the scene of the blast, said Achikzay had been investigating links between the Taliban and Pakistan.

The attack took place during rush hour just before shops opened in the Asmayee Wat area of the city near government and business buildings.

"In the attack four innocent civilians were martyred and another 12 civilians were wounded. The intelligence director survived the attack," the intelligence service said in a statement.

Violent campaign

Security forces sealed off the area and sifted wreckage from the blast.

Sher Mohammed, a witness, said: "I saw a motorcycle park in front of two security pickup trucks and explode.

"I helped carry three bodies. Four people were also wounded."

Four Afghan medical workers have also been kidnapped from Zhari district, 30km west of Kandahar city on Tuesday, Afghan health officials said.
Abdul Qayoom Pakhoa, a health department spokesman, said: "The team from Kandahar Health Department was abducted by unknown gunmen."

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