Kabul, About 14 people killed in an attack on a minibus carrying Nepalese security guards in Kabul early on Monday. Interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqui said, "Initial report of today's terrorist attack in Kabul 14 killed and eight wounded. Police are working to ID victims".

According to police, the bombing, carried out by a suicide bomber on foot, occurred just before 6.00am (0130 GMT) in the east of the Kabul along the main road to the eastern city of Jalalabad.

It was the first attack in the capital since the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan two weeks ago.

Washington recently announced an expansion of the US military's authority to conduct air strikes against the Taliban, significantly boosting Afghan forces who have limited close air-support capacities.