Afghan military base attack: Death toll rises to 33

Kabul

The death toll from a suicide attack at a military base in eastern Afghanistan rose to 33 today, as casualties from the Taliban's insurgency continue to mount despite nascent peace talks.

The Sunday evening bombing came at a military roadblock near Camp Chapman in Khost province, where both Afghan and foreign troops are stationed, shortly before iftar, the meal breaking the Ramadan fast.

Mubarez Zadran, a spokesman for the provincial governor, and a senior police official confirmed the new toll, which included 27 civilians and six Afghan security personnel -- up from 18 reported killed earlier.

"Twelve children and three women are among the dead," said Zadran.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Taliban -- who last week held their first face-to-face peace talks with the Afghan government -- have often targeted Afghan and foreign troops.

At least 12 civilians were also killed in twin roadside bomb blasts over the weekend, officials said, blaming the attacks on the Taliban.

The insurgents launched a countrywide offensive in late April, stepping up attacks on government and foreign targets despite the nascent peace talks in what is expected to be the bloodiest fighting season in a decade.