Suicide Attack At Afghan Funeral Kills Nine

A demonstration against suicide attacks in Kabul on November 30.

A suicide bombing at a funeral in northern Afghanistan has killed at least nine people.

Local officials in Baghlan Province told RFE/RL that two police officers were among the dead in the attack in the Burqa district on December 1.

At least 18 people were wounded in the attack, which came as Afghanistan's new leaders prepared to showcase their plans to foster peace and revive the economy during meetings in Europe this week.

The attack occurred during funeral ceremonies for a tribal elder in Baghlan, a province on the main road from Kabul to Mazar-e-Sharif that has suffered worsening security in recent years.

Officials said the attack likely targeted the chief of the Burqa district, Taj Muhammad Taqwa, and other top civil and police officials.

No group claimed responsibility, but the Taliban have stepped up attacks on Afghan security forces amid the withdrawal of most NATO combat troops by the end of the year.

With reporting by AFP