Taliban suicide bomber kills 9 Afghan civilians

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The bombing comes at a time of heightened security as military and diplomatic officials issued warnings that intelligence reports indicate the al Qaeda-backed Taliban is planning a large attack to coincide with Independence Day celebrations on Monday.

Two more suicide bombers in another car approached the base near the southeastern town of Khost as security forces dealt with the aftermath of the first attack, but were shot dead by police before they were able to detonate their explosives, Khost's governor, Arsala Jamal, told Reuters.

"The victims were all poor labourers and civilians. This was a barbaric act carried out by the enemies of Afghanistan at a time of celebration of independence," he said.

Violence has surged in Afghanistan this year as the Taliban step up their campaign of guerrilla attacks, backed by roadside and suicide bombs to oust the pro-Western Afghan government and drive out foreign troops.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the blast.

The explosion did not penetrate the perimeter of the base, the U.S. military said, and U.S. forces evacuated the wounded to the hospital at the camp, the main hub for operations in southeastern Afghanistan.

The commander of U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan issued a warning that credible intelligence indicated a possible attack on Independence Day.

"These reports indicate that the enemies of the people of Afghanistan intend to attack civilian, military and government targets during Afghan Independence celebrations," the U.S. military said in a statement.

"We recommend to all Afghans to be vigilant at large public events and other locations where crowds gather and report suspicious behaviour to security forces, Afghan or coalition, and government representatives," it said.

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