A suicide bomber detonated his explosives-packed car near a security checkpoint in southeastern Afghanistan Sunday evening, killing at least 25 people, including women and children, provincial police chief General Faizullah Ghyrat said.
The bombing in Khost province also wounded dozens of others. Most of the victims are said to be civilians. The violence happened not far from an American military base in the Afghan province, which borders Pakistan.
It was not immediately clear if the Taliban was behind the attack. It has claimed responsibility for similar bombings.
Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman Qazi Khalilullah said his country "strongly" condemns the suicide car bombing, adding, "we wish to convey condolences to the bereaved families."
The suicide bombing comes just days after senior Taliban leaders met with representatives of the Afghan government in neighboring Pakistan to discuss ways to bring an end to hostilities. The groundbreaking talks were the first time the Taliban and the government officials came in direct contact in 13 years.
