Bomb kills 13 in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – A suicide bomb blast killed a provincial leader and at least 12 other people Monday in northern Afghanistan, the latest in a step-up of attacks by Taliban insurgents as warm weather returns.

The attack occurred in the city of Pul-i-Khumri at the offices of Mohammad Rasoul Mohseni, chief of the Baghlan provincial council, said Mahmood Haqmal, a spokesman for the Baghlan governor’s office.

The bomber came on foot to the building, pushed through Mohseni’s bodyguards and detonated his explosives-filled vest, Haqmal said.

Mohseni, six bodyguards and six civilians were killed. Nine were injured, Haqmal said.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai called the attack “a cowardly act against all Islamic teachings and human values.” The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility