Afghanistan's Defense Ministry spokesman says a suicide car bomb explosion in the Afghan capital has killed three civilians and wounded 70.

The blast occurred near the main gate of NATO's headquarters but it appeared protective barriers limited the damage to the NATO mission. NATO headquarters has several large, cement blocks and steel gates that prevent anyone from reaching the entrance.

Children -- many of whom congregate outside the NATO gate to sell gum to Westerners, were among the wounded.

Mohammad Zahir Azimi says three civilians have been killed and 70 wounded in the blast.

A Taliban spokesman has claimed responsibility for the attack in a call to The Associated Press and said the bomb contained 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms) of explosives.

NATO's headquarters is on the same street as the US Embassy and presidential palace. Afghanistan's Transportation Ministry lies across the street.

Capt. Elizabeth Mathias, a US spokeswoman for the NATO-led mission, said the explosion occurred near the gate of NATO's International Security Assistance Force.

The attack of a high-profile, international target in Kabul comes less than a week before Afghans around the country are to vote for president and provincial councils.

Afghanistan has braced for attacks because of the election, which the Taliban have warned people not to participate in. International workers in the country planned to work from home over the next week, and some were encouraged to leave the country.

(China Daily August 15, 2009)