The coordinated attacks around Kandahar city on Saturday night included two car bombs, six suicide attackers on motorbikes and bicycles plus four homemade bombs, the authorities said.

One local official said at least 33 people died, including 10 women and children attending a wedding celebration in a hall next to a police station that was targeted.

Training a workable Kandahar police force has become a priority for international forces trying to build trust in the Afghan government, which they hope will eventually be able to take over security.

US, NATO and Afghan forces are planning an offensive in Kandahar province later this year, a follow-up to an ongoing military operation in Helmand province.

AP