Gunman open fire on Afghanistan highway

(Vatican Radio) Gunmen in eastern Afghanistan have opened fire on a highway, killing at least 13 people in passing vehicles.

Listen to Ann Schneible’s report:

A spokesman for the provincial governor of Wardak province said Tuesday morning that the gunmen shot at three vehicles, including a long-haul bus carrying passengers to the capital.

He said two other civilians were wounded in the attack, which took place after midnight in Wardak province's Sayad Abad district.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the assault.

Most areas of Sayed Abad district are under the control of the Taliban, whose fighters often plant roadside bombs and launch other attacks on passing security convoys.

The shooting incident comes ahead of a scheduled Tuesday meeting at the White House between US President Barack Obama and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

The pace of U.S. troop withdrawals from Afghanistan, and the closely connected issue of the abilities of the Afghan forces on their own to bring the fight to the insurgents this spring, are expected to play a central role in their discussions.