In a similar attack in February, at least six people were killed when a Taliban bomber rammed an explosives-laden auto into Afghan soldiers who had queued outside a bank in Lashkar Gah to collect their salaries.
The blast occurred when the military servicemen and civilians arrived at the bank to receive salaries, according to the broadcaster.
In this year's message, the militant leader seemed to harden his stance, saying the Afghan government is too corrupt to stay on and warning of another civil war in Kabul - along the lines of the 1992 fighting when mujahedeen groups threw out the Communist government in Afghanistan and turned their guns on each other.
"These brutal terrorist attacks ... prove that they (insurgents) have no respect for any religion or faith", Ghani said in a statement.
At least 29 people were killed in the blast, and over 50 have been wounded, according to public health officials from the provincial government.
Mattis said that he will present a new US military strategy for Afghanistan, along with adjusted troop numbers, in the coming weeks to US President Donald Trump.
At least 29 people have been killed in a auto bomb attack in Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
White House Won't Allow Any Recording Devices at Today's Press Briefing
Spicer's preference is to step away from the press briefings entirely, though other configurations have also been discussed. It requires the preservation of certain White House communications so they can eventually be released to the public.
Intensified fighting previous year forced thousands of people to flee to Lashkar Gah from neighbouring districts. The attack was condemned by the Taliban, and there was no claim of responsibility.
The incident took place close to the Kabul Bank branch in Lashkargah city, the provincial capital of Helmand.
Afghanistan and Pakistan routinely accuse each other of harboring the insurgents. Corrupt government officials also benefit from the production and trade of opium, the raw material for heroin.
Afghanistan is the world's largest opium-producing country, producing more than all other countries combined, according to United Nations estimates.
Meanwhile, a militant attack the previous night inside a mosque in the country's east killed two members of the local council.
Sallhe said police are investigating.
According to some recent media reports, the Pentagon is making plans to send additional USA troops to Afghanistan.
Comments