Afghanistan struck by twin blasts

--BBC--

US and Nato forces are battling a rising Taliban insurgenc Two bombs in Afghanistan have killed at least 14 civilians, including several children, just days ahead of nationwide elections, officials say. The blasts occurred on Wednesday in the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar - both regions are at the heart of the Taliban insurgency. Nato and US troops have been battling insurgents in the south ahead of next week's presidential elections. President Hamid Karzai has pledged to work with his rivals if he wins. He said on Thursday that he will offer government positions to two of his top challengers, Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani if he is re-elected.