At least 13 killed in Kabul suicide attack

KABUL - The death toll from Saturday's suicide car bombing in  the Afghan capital Kabul has risen to 13, Afghan Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

"Ten civilians and three security force members were martyred and 29 civilians including women and children were wounded in yesterday's suicide car bomb attack in Kabul," the ministry said in a statement.

A total of 17 vehicles and 18 shops were destroyed or partially damaged in the attack which occcured at around 3:30 p.m. (local time), the statement noted.

The Taliban insurgent group has claimed responsibility for the attack near the venue of the Loya Jirga or traditional grand assembly due to be held on Thursday.

Some 3,000 people from across the country will attend the Jirga to discuss the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) between Kabul and Washington.

Taliban has denounced the Jirga as a trick to pave the way for the permanent presence of U.S. military in the country and asked Afghans to boycott the meeting.