Suicide bombers kill 5 at Afghan meeting

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KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Two suicide bombers struck a community meeting Sunday in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, killing five people and wounding 15, officials said.

Ahmad Javid Faisal, a spokesman for the Kandahar governor, said a Spin Boldak district council member was among those killed during the attack at a government compound as local leaders met to discuss issues raised by residents, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Officials said the district, which borders Pakistan, is considered a major route for smuggling drugs, weapons and militants.

Spin Boldak District Gov. Sayed Hashim Agha, said the bombers drove to the compound and fired on guards at the entrance, killing one of them. They then left their vehicle and detonated their suicide vests near where the meeting was, he said.

Agha's account differed from Faisal's retelling, the Times said. Faisal said the bombers did not have a vehicle and the hall was unguarded when the attack occurred.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.