At least 20 die in Afghanistan in separate attacks

(Vatican Radio) More than 20 people were killed in separate bomb attacks in Afghanistan on Monday, including at least 14 when a suicide bomber struck a minibus carrying Nepalese security contractors.

Hours later, a bomb planted in a motorbike reportedly killed at least eight civilians and wounded another 18 in a crowded market in the northern province of Badakhshan.

Officials say the casualty count could rise.

The attacks are the latest in a recent surge of violence that highlights the challenges faced by the Afghan government in Kabul and its Western backers as Washington slowly draws down its remaining troops despite a persistent insurgency.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the Kabul attack in a statement from the Islamist group's main spokesman.

Another explosion in Kabul later on Monday morning wounded a provincial council member and at least three of his bodyguards. A police spokesman said. It was thought a bomb had been attached to the lawmaker's car.

The attacks underline how serious the security threat facing Afghanistan remains since former Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in a U.S. drone strike last month and was replaced by Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada. (Source Reuters)