Two killed in roadside bomb in Afghan south

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Mar 9 (Reuters) A remote-controlled roadside bomb killed two civilians and wounded six people, including an ex-mujahideen commander, in southern Afghanistan today, a witness said.

The bomb was planted at a bridge in Arghandab district in Kandahar province and was believed to be aimed at Mullah Naqibullah, a commander in the Afghan mujahideen government that preceded Taliban rule in 1990s.

The bomb hit Naqibullah's vehicle as he was passing the bridge with his family and guards.

''Naqibullah, his two sons, a grandson and two guards were wounded and they have been hospitalised,'' a Reuters correspondent at the scene said.

Southern and eastern regions of Afghanistan, near the Pakistan border, have remained strongholds of the Taliban militants.

Last year was the deadliest the country has seen since the Taliban were ousted from power by the US-led forces in late 2001. More than 4,000 people died in fighting last year, including about 1,000 civilians. Suicide bombings jumped to 139 from 21.

Fighting is expected to be heavy in 2007 as Taliban warn they have thousands of suicide bombers ready for action.

NATO and Afghan troops this week launched their biggest operation so far to pre-empt Taliban's spring offensive.

REUTERS PDM KP2047