Kabul  - A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle Saturday near NATO military headquarters in Kabul, killing three Afghans and wounding more than 60 other people, a Defence Ministry spokesman said.

The blast occurred near the gate of the International Security Assistance Force in the neighbourhood where the presidential palace and US embassy are also located.

"According to our information, three civilians were killed and more than 60 others were wounded," General Zahir Azimi at the Defence Ministry said.

An official from the Public Health Ministry earlier said that two civilians were killed and 60 were wounded.

The blast occurred five days before Afghanistan conducts the second direct presidential election in its history and amid security concerns for the voting during an escalating insurgency by Taliban militants.

A large cloud of smoke rose above Kabul after Saturday's explosion, which occurred in an area that is difficult to enter because of tight security. (dpa)