Afghan police say a suicide bomber was responsible for a vehicle explosion near the home of a former police officer in Helmand province.<br/> <br />The blast in Lashkar-gah killed at least five people and wounded some 19 more.<br/> <br />There was no immediate claim of responsibility, although the Taliban often targets security forces and government officials in such incidents.<br/> <br />The bombing comes after last week's signing of a deal to allow foreign troops to remain in Afghanistan.<br/> <br />The agreements will allow 12, 000 foreign soldiers to stay, mostly to carry on training Afghan forces.
