March 27, 2008	Thursday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 18, 1429

KABUL, March 26: A car bomb exploded on Wednesday in a farmers’ market in southern Afghanistan, killing eight civilians, as the Taliban warned they will use new techniques and draw on years of fighting experience to increase attacks this spring.

Mohammad Hussein Andiwal, the police chief of Helmand province, said the bombing in Gereshk district also wounded 17 people, including five children.

Andiwal said there were no security forces in the area and accused the Taliban of targeting civilians to “create fear”. The Taliban frequently target Afghan and international security forces, but this year have increased their attacks against civilians.—AP