An explosion occurred on Monday close to the National Directorate of Security (NDS) office in Aybak city, capital of northern Samangan province, local officials said.
The incident happened around 11:00 am and gunfire has been reported following the explosion, said Mohammad Sediq Azizi, a spokesman for the provincial governor.
At least 43 people, including three children and a woman, were taken to the hospital after the explosion, said Abdul Khalil Musadiq, provincial head of the public health department.
The Taliban has claimed the bombing attack and said that fighting is still ongoing between the security forces and attackers.
