US military convoy targeted by car bomb near Bagram air base in Afghanistan

Kabul, Dec 11: An explosion occurred in Bagram district of Parwan province close to Bagram airbase of the capital Kabul. However, there are no immediate reports of casualties.

According to Gen. Mahfooz Walizada, police commander of northern Parwan province said that the explosion on early Wednesday destroyed several homes and he expects there are casualties but could not confirm them yet.

The attack -- which has not yet been claimed -- comes as Washington resumed talks with the Taliban on Saturday, three months after President Donald Trump abruptly halted diplomatic efforts that could end America's longest war.

"The explosion happened in front of the gate of the Korean hospital which is almost adjacent to Bagram airfield," Parwan governor spokeswoman Wahida Shahkar said, referring to the US airbase in eastern Parwan province.

"So far five injured civilians have been transferred to the hospital." NATO's Resolute Support mission said there were no US or coalition casualties and "Bagram remained secure throughout the attack". "The attack was quickly contained and repelled... but the future medical facility was badly damaged," it added in a statement.

Bagram district governor Abdul Shukoor Qudoosi gave a higher toll of at least 50 civilians wounded in what he said was a "powerful" suicide car bomb. He said the blast was followed by fighting with armed assailants.

President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Bagram, north of Kabul, on November 28 to celebrate Thanksgiving with his troops and meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.