At least 20 dead after attacks in Afghanistan

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-13-2009 10:17

Eleven Taliban suicide bombers have attacked government buildings in the east of the country, sparking gun battles that killed at least 20 people and wounded three US troops.

Afghan security personnel at the site of an explosion on the outskirts of Khost in March.  (AFP/File)

The assault began Tuesday morning when a suicide bomber attacked the governor's compound in the city of Khost. The city is on the border with Pakistan and a major American base is also located in Khost.

The blast was followed soon after by a suicide car bomb explosion. US forces attending a nearby meeting responded to the attacks. Street clashes lasted until early evening.

At least 11 insurgents and nine others including police and civilians were killed. A Taliban spokesman claimed that 30 suicide bombers had attacked the government buildings.

Militants in recent months have carried out an increasing number of complex attacks involving several assailants.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei