Police say Friday's attack took place in the western outskirts of the capital. Taleban insurgents claimed responsibility.

About 1,000 French soldiers are deployed in the region as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance force in Afghanistan.

Also Friday, the U.S. military said U.S. and Afghan forces raided an insurgent hideout in southern Helmand province, killing about 40 Taleban fighters. It said large caches of arms and ammunition were seized during the operation in Garmsir district.

Also in Helmand, Afghan officials say at least six civilians were killed in a NATO airstrike in the neighboring district of Girishk on Wednesday

NATO acknowledged there were some civilian casualties. It said British-led ground forces called in air support after coming under heavy fire from Taleban militants.

Suicide bombings have soared in recent months in Afghanistan. More than 3,000 people have been killed this year as Afghan, NATO and U.S. forces battle Taleban fighters. - VOA News