At Least Seven Dead In Southern Afghan Blast

Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand Province

Officials say at least seven people have been killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan's southern Helmand Province.

A spokesman for the provincial governor said more than 20 were injured in the blast outside Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital, today.

The attack came as officials were giving seeds to a group of farmers as part of a program designed to stop farmers from growing opium poppy.

In February, NATO launched a major U.S.-led offensive against the Taliban in Helmand.

compiled from agency reports