In Afghanistan, officials say at least four civilians have been killed in a Taliban attack on the German consulate in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

At least 4 killed in Taliban attack on German consulate in N. Afghan city

A suicide bomber drove a car packed with explosives into one of the consulate's walls. NATO says the explosion - which happened late on Thursday - caused "massive damage" to the building, where around 30 people normally work. Heavily-armed militants then exchanged fire with Afghan and German security forces.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group says it was in retaliation for NATO air strikes that killed more than 30 people in a village near the northern city of Kunduz last week.