Afghanistan: Taliban insurgents fired rockets in parts of Afghanistan and a huge truck bomb was intercepted on the eve of the first presidential election in the war-torn country, underlining the risk of sabotage by Islamic radicals.
Yet despite the scattered violence and the ever-present threat of a major attack, there appeared to be growing optimism that today's landmark poll, which President Hamid Karzai is favourite to win, would go off smoothly.
"Yes, security is a concern," said an elderly man as he shopped in a Kabul bazaar. "But this will be a great day. I will vote. I'm optimistic that an elected government can improve lives."
One rocket exploded in the air above the main US military compound in Kabul before dawn, damaging vehicles in a car park, while in the eastern city of Jalalabad, a rocket ploughed into a house, wounding two young children, officials said.
Six rockets were also fired at the home of the governor of the southern Zabul province.
In nearby Kandahar, the Taliban heartland, explosives were found hidden in a fuel tanker which would wreaked havoc had they been used, officials say.
Defence Ministry spokesman Gen Zahir Azimy said troops in the east had arrested two men believed to be suicide bombers.
About 18,000 US-led troops, hunting al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders, are helping a 42,000-strong Afghan police and military force and 8,000 NATO-led peacekeepers to provide security. They were on full alert as the voting day neared.
Large voter turnout and victory for US-backed Mr Karzai would legitimise his rule and mark a turning point for a country shattered by decades of wars.
He said on Thursday the vote could not be delayed any longer - it would go ahead successfully and reflect the wishes of his 28 million people. - (Reuters)