Afghan gov wants more troops after Kandahar attack

The governor of Kandahar province demanded more security around Afghanistan's largest southern city Sunday after a series of explosions killed dozens of people in the Taliban heartland _ the target of the war's next major offensive by Afghan and international forces.

The blasts, which occurred one after another for 25 minutes across Kandahar city Saturday night, indicate that the insurgents remain a potent force in the area where NATO plans an assault later this year, the follow-up to an operation that has driven militants from a key stronghold in neighboring Helmand province.

Residents say Taliban militants can operate in Kandahar with little restraint.

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