KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) -- Five police officers and two civilians died when a car bomb exploded just outside the Kandahar police headquarters in southern Afghanistan.
Officials say at least 19 people were wounded, in the blast large enough to shatter windows in nearby buildings. It appeared the bomb was in a parked vehicle and was remotely detonated. No one immediately claimed responsibility.
Although the international military coalition in Afghanistan has poured resources into Kandahar city and surrounding areas in recent years, the area has remains dangerous with repeated attacks.
The U.N. reported on Saturday that 2011 was the deadliest on record for civilians in the Afghan war, with 3,021 killed as insurgents ratcheted up violence with suicide attacks and roadside bombs.