Islamabad, March 18 (RHC-KUNA) -- At least 13 people were killed and over 30 others wounded as a suicide attacker detonated an explosive-laden vehicle in a market place of northern Faryab province of Afghanistan on Tuesday, officials said.

Local security officials said preliminary information showed that the attacker was approaching a checkpoint at the entry of the market close to the Misara Square in front of the Energy and Water Department when he detonated his explosives.

The attack comes prior to presidential elections that are scheduled to be held on April 5th Afghanistan.

Taliban rebels have threatened violent activities to disrupt polls that will choose the president to lead Afghanistan as NATO forces prepare to leave the country by the end of the year.

According to United Nations 2,959 civilians were killed and 5,656 wounded in Afghanistan last year, a 14% increase from the previous year.