An explosion struck Bagram Airfield close to Kabul early Saturday, NATO said, confirming some casualties in an apparent insurgent assault

A huge explosion has killed at least four people at the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, the largest US military facility in the country, officials say.

At least 14 others were wounded in the blast, local district governor Haji Shookor told the BBC.

The Taliban said one of their suicide bombers had carried out the attack, which reportedly hit a dining area.

The base, near Kabul, has come under frequent attack, as the Taliban step up operations before the onset of winter.

Bagram was hit while people gathered to celebrate Veteran's Day.

General John W Nicholson, US Army commander in Afghanistan, said in a statement:

''[To] the family and friends of those wounded in today's attack, let me assure you they are receiving the best care possible, and we will keep them in our thoughts today."

He did not disclose the nationalities of the casualties.

Source: MENA