Afghanistan suicide bombing of police station kills 20

Taliban suicide bombers dressed as police officers attacked a police station Tuesday in Afghanistan, killing at least 20 people in the latest assault targeting local security forces, authorities said.

The attack happened in Pul-i-Alam, the capital of Logar province, some 80 kilometres from Kabul. There, the first bomber detonated his explosives at the gate of the police headquarters, while a second blew himself up at a security checkpoint inside the compound, said Din Mohammad Darwesh, a spokesman for the provincial governor.

Then other bombers ran into a dining hall where police officers had gathered to eat lunch, killing many more officers, authorities said.

Gen. Abdul Hakim Esaqzai, the police chief of Logar province, said the bombing killed at least 20 people, including two civilians. He said the blast also wounded eight people.

The bombers wore police uniforms, allowing them to get inside the compound, said Muhibullha Ghayrat, a member of Logar's provincial council.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack in an email to The Associated Press.

The Taliban have stepped up their attacks on Afghan soldiers and security forces in recent months. U.S. and NATO forces concluded their combat mission at the end of last year and Afghan troops since have taken control of the country's security. That's caused Afghan casualties to spike.