Suicide attack in Kabul: 7 killed

Sunday's attack was the worst in Kabul since four German peacekeepers were killed and 31 injured by a suicide car bomb in June, and coincided with the final stages of a key debate to finalise the country's post-Taliban constitution.

Taliban guerrillas and Islamic militant allies believed to include members of al-Qaeda have declared a holy war on foreign forces in Afghanistan and their local partners, including government officials, soldiers and aid workers.

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"A group of 200 Mujahideen (holy warriors) has penetrated various Afghan cities," said Mullah Sabir Momin, Taliban deputy operational commander in southern Afghanistan.

"In Kabul alone, 130 trained Taliban are present on suicide missions," he added, speaking by satellite telephone. "They can manufacture powerful bombs with limited resources."

If confirmed, the switch in tactics will be a worry for 5,700 international peacekeepers in Kabul and the 12,000-strong US-led force hunting Taliban and al-Qaeda rebels.

The deadliest guerrilla attacks have been in remote areas of the south and east in recent months. More than 400 people have died in the violence since early August, including many rebels.

Confusion surrounded the circumstances of Sunday's attack near the airport, which came just after dusk.

Defence ministry spokesman Dr Gulbuddin said there appeared to be two "terrorists" involved, one more than first thought.

He explained that five security officials detained two men after a tip-off. One was carrying explosives in a metal cooking pot, while the other had explosives wrapped around his body, which he set off, killing all seven people in the vehicle.