Afghan suicide blast kills 16

A suicide bomber yesterday killed at least 16 people and wounded 40 others, including a prominent lawmaker, at an anti-corruption rally in eastern Afghanistan, the latest casualties ahead of the Taliban's expected spring offensive.

The attack targeted an anti-graft demonstration outside the residence of the acting governor of restive Khost province, sending terrified, blood-soaked victims fleeing for cover.

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The attack comes just a week after Washington announced it would not be halving the 9,800 US troops still in Afghanistan by the end of the year, backpedalling on previous plans. The Taliban warned that the US troop announcement would damage any prospects of peace talks.

However, the Taliban denied responsibility for the blast.