Afghan police chief survives car bomb attack

Kabul: A provincial police chief in southern Afghanistan escaped a suicide car bomb attack that hit his convoy in southern part of the country today, said officials. Three officers were wounded in the attack.

Helmand province spokesman Ummar Zawaq says Police Chief Mohammad Nabi Ilham was on his way to his office in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah when the car bomber struck early today. Ilham's vehicle was damaged but he was not badly hurt.

Taliban insurgents have been targeting police and government officials with an intense assassination campaign and attacking government positions around the country as Afghan police and army prepare to officially take over full responsibility for security from international troops.

The toll on Afghan forces has been high. In May alone, at least 271 police were killed in attacks.