Bombing Outside US Base in Afghanistan Kills 12

A suicide bomber killed 12 workers and wounded 22 others after detonating his vehicle outside a US military base in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, the New York Times reports. No American military personnel were injured or killed. A second suicide car-bomber tried to follow soon after but was turned back, as were militants wearing explosive vests who stormed the base this morning.

The first attacks occurred as Afghanistan celebrated its Independence Day, marking its 1909 split from Britain. A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility, stating that Afghanistan was once again under “occupation” and calling for Afghans to join the jihad against the “crusaders.” (More Afghanistan war stories.)