Abdul Jabar Purdel, police chief in Nimroz Province where the attack occurred, gave a report of 13 dead – including five women – and at least ten wounded.
Purdel explained that the vehicle was returning from a wedding and went to Shindand in the western province of Herat.
“It was a powerful bomb that killed instantly most of these innocent civilians,” said the policeman.
According to a UN report released in mid-year, the number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan has soared by 31% during the first half of 2010, compared to the same period of 2009.
The number of coalition soldiers killed has also increased international high: nearly 600 troops have died this year, including at least 50 in October.
Sharafuddin Sharafyar in Herat, Hamid Shalizi in Kabul, Jean-Stéphane Brosse for the French service.
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