A suicide bomber has reportedly targeted a Canadian convoy in Afghanistan, injuring an Afghan civilian.
No soldiers were hurt in the blast, which occurred about a kilometre from the Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team base in Kandahar. The Nyala RG-31 armoured jeep sustained damage but managed to make its way to the PRT camp.
The convoy's senior officer, Maj. Scott Campbell expressed relief no one was seriously hurt in the attack.
"Thank God everyone is OK," he said.
"I'm a little shaky, a little happy, and confident in the equipment. There's a couple of little bruises here and there, but everyone is good."
The convoy had been returning from a re-supply mission to a firebase west of Kandahar when a vehicle drove into the side of the jeep before it detonated. The Nyala's tires were blown out in the blast.
Canada purchased dozens of the South African-built jeeps in March because of their ability to survive landmines and roadside bombs.
Meanwhile, former prime minister Paul Martin, who originally sent Canadian troops to Afghanistan, said he's not happy with the turn he believes the mission has taken.
Martin said he sent soldiers to the country not for combat, but to rebuild and provide stability to the war-torn country. The former Liberal PM said there needs to be a bigger emphasis on aid and reconstruction.