Suicide attack kills 6

A suicide bomber targeted a bus carrying Afghan army personnel, killing six soldiers and wounding 11 on Thursday on the outskirts of the capital, Kabul, the Defence Ministry said.

The attack comes after an almost two-week lull in Taliban attacks in Kabul in the wake of a wave of bombings on guesthouses, government officials and vehicles of foreign aid workers in the heavily-guarded capital last month.

Taliban insurgents have stepped up their attacks in recent months in Afghanistan with deadly suicide and roadside bombings as most foreign troops prepare to leave the country after 13 years of war.

A bomber on foot targeted the bus early in the morning in the Tarakhil area of eastern Kabul when the army personnel were on their way to work, an Afghan Defence Ministry spokesman said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks and said 12 officers were killed and 13 others wounded. Taliban insurgents often exaggerate casualties they inflict on national and int