Afghan officials say a suicide bomber has killed nine people, including three German soldiers, at a crowded market in the northern city of Kunduz.
Authorities say six Afghan civilians were also killed and 14 other people were wounded early on Saturday when the bomber blew himself up in the city center's tea market, Chai Firoshi Bazaar. Kunduz officials say the Germans, who had been on a NATO patrol, were shopping when the attack occurred.
The Taleban claimed responsibility for the bombing.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday that German troops play an important role in stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. She vowed that the international community remains committed to reconstruction efforts, despite the attacks.
Also on Saturday, US-led coalition officials said dozens of militants were killed late Friday in eastern Kapisa province. A coalition spokesman said the militants tried to ambush allied and Afghan forces in the al-Asay valley, near Kabul.
He said coalition airstrikes were called in against the insurgents.
Authorities say six Afghan civilians were also killed and 14 other people were wounded early on Saturday when the bomber blew himself up in the city center's tea market, Chai Firoshi Bazaar. Kunduz officials say the Germans, who had been on a NATO patrol, were shopping when the attack occurred.
The Taleban claimed responsibility for the bombing.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday that German troops play an important role in stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. She vowed that the international community remains committed to reconstruction efforts, despite the attacks.
Also on Saturday, US-led coalition officials said dozens of militants were killed late Friday in eastern Kapisa province. A coalition spokesman said the militants tried to ambush allied and Afghan forces in the al-Asay valley, near Kabul.
He said coalition airstrikes were called in against the insurgents.