Firing back at insurgents in Kandahar, after an attack here in the southern province killed one person and injured at least eight others.

Kandahar's Deputy Governor Abdul Qadem Patal.

soundbite: Deputy Governor of Kandahar Abdul Qadem Patal, Saying (Pashto):

"As a result of today's explosion a number of police and employees from the governor's office as well as municipality workers have been wounded."

Afghanistan has seen a spike in violence over the past week as Taliban fighters work to destabilize the country ahead of the April 5th elections.

Bomb Blast victim Alsam Khan Patel.

SOUNDBITE: Bomb Blast victim Alsam Khan Patel saying (Pashto):

"I was going to the shrine for prayers when the explosion happened. I received wounds on my body and then people took me to the hospital. I don't know happened next."

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for this latest attack and says they will continue.

The attack in Kandahar comes a day aft