News - Afghanistan

At least four civilians were killed in a bomb blast in western Herat province on Saturday morning. Three policemen were among the 12 people injured in the attack.

The incident happened at about 8:00 am local time in a bazaar in Shindand district, provincial spokesman Mahuddin Noori said.

The blast happened as dozens of shoppers were out buying treats in advance of the Eid holiday.

"Police have started an investigation into the blast and the injured were taken to a nearby hospital," Mr Noori said.

No group including the Taliban claimed responsibility for the blast.

Today's incident comes five days after the most deadly attack in Afghanistan this year in which 29 people, including four policemen, were killed when three suicide bombers detonated their explosives in crowded areas of Zaranj, the provincial capital of Nimruz. About 110 people were injured in the attack.

The UN Security Council on Friday condemned the attacks in Afghanistan.

"The members of the Security Council reiterated their serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, al-Qaida and illegal armed groups to the local population, national security forces, international military and international assistance efforts in Afghanistan," the statement said.