Afghan Energy Minister Ismail Khan has survived a roadside bomb attack in the western city of Herat, police say.
At least four people died and several others were wounded when the bomb exploded as the minister was driving to the airport, officials say.
A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the blast in a telephone call to news agencies.
On Friday, Afghanistan's rising violence prompted the top US commander to formally request more troops.
Gen Stanley McChrystal has said in the past that the mission in Afghanistan is likely to fail if he is not given extra forces.
The explosion in Herat happened outside a school, officials said. read more
