KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Six civilians were killed on Sunday by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan`s southern Kandahar province, an official said, as civilian casualties continued to mount amid an increase in violence by insurgents.

Nine civilians were wounded in the blast, which hit their vehicle on the western edge of Kandahar city, said Zalmai Ayoubi, a spokesman for the provincial governor.

Roadside bombs are a favourite weapon for Taliban insurgents in their campaign against foreign forces and the Afghan government, but civilians often fall prey to such attacks. According to government figures at least 40 non-combatants were killed in various parts of the country last week.

BDST: 12.35 HRS, August 1, 2010