Militants Kill 27 in Afghanistan
By VOA News
04 May 2009
Afghan officials say a wave of attacks in Afghanistan Monday killed at least 27 people.
Officials said in the bloodiest incident in southern Zabul province a roadside bomb tore through a tractor trailer, killing 12 civilians. Taliban fighters also attacked a group of security guards in another area of Zabul, killing six.
Earlier in eastern Lagham province, a suicide bomber attacked the provincial mayor, killing the official, three of his bodyguards and three civilians.
Meanwhile, Afghan President Hamid Karzai officially registered Monday as a candidate in the country's upcoming presidential election.
Mr. Karzai announced he will run for his second term with current Vice President Karim Khalili and former Vice President Mohammad Qasim Fahim as his two running mates.
A worsening Taliban insurgency in the country and charges of government corruption have weakened Mr. Karzai's image at home and abroad. But so far, a strong challenger to his re-election bid has not emerged.
Mr. Karzai has led Afghanistan since the U.S.-backed invasion ousted the Taliban in 2001. He won an election in 2004, and is running for a second-term in the August 20 vote.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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