Italy: Suicide attack plot thwarted in Afghanistan

ROME – The Italian military says it has thwarted plans for suicide bombings against its forces and local authorities in Afghanistan.

Col. Vincenzo Lauro, spokesman for the Italian contingent in the NATO force in Afghanistan, says 10 Afghan suspects were arrested Sunday by Afghan security forces following months of Italian intelligence work.

Lauro spoke with The Associated Press by phone Tuesday night from Italian headquarters in the Afghan city of Herat.

Lauro says authorities seized explosives meant for car bombs as well as vests and belts packed with explosives for suicide attacks. He says the suspects were believed to be "ready" to attack in various areas.

A mortar attack against an Italian outpost in Afghanistan on Saturday killed an Italian soldier and wounded five others.