Afghan intelligence chief survives attack

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KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- The head of Afghanistan's intelligence services survived an assassination attempt by a suicide bomber with explosives in his underwear, officials said Friday.

The National Directorate of Security said Asadullah Khalid was hospitalized with critical injuries to his wrist and legs, Khaama Press reported. Officials said Khalid was recovering at a U.S. military hospital at Bagram Air Force Base.

The NDS would not comment on reports that Khalid had been sent to a hospital outside the country.

Khalid received the bomber Thursday afternoon at a guest house, NDS spokesman Shafiqullah Tahiri said. Tahiri said the bomber told Khalid he had been sent by the Taliban to discuss peace terms.

President Hamid Karzai selected Khalid as his intelligence chief.