Suicide bomber killed in Afghan governor's compound

HERAT, Afghanistan (Reuters) - A suicide bomber entered an Afghan provincial governor's compound Monday, but he was shot by police and his vest detonated before he could strike a target, an official wounded in the blast said.

An escalation of attacks by resurgent Taliban in recent years has sparked fear Afghanistan may slide back into anarchy despite the growing number of foreign troops battling against the militants.

Three people, including the head of the provincial council, Hamayoun Azizi, were wounded in the blast at the compound in Herat province near Afghanistan's western border with Iran, Azizi told Reuters.

"I along with two of my friends have suffered injuries, mine are not so serious," Azizi said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Taliban, ousted in a U.S.-led invasion in 2001, often use suicide attacks and roadside bombs as part of their insurgency to drive out the Western forces from Afghanistan.

U.S.-led Afghan forces drove the Taliban Islamists from power after its leadership refused to hand over al Qaeda leaders wanted by Washington for the September 11 attacks on the United States.

The Taliban have extended the scope and size of their attacks since last year, prompting Washington to send an extra 21,000 soldiers to join the already over 70,000 Western troops in Afghanistan.

Two suicide bombers struck the home of a cabinet minister in the southwestern province of Nimroz Friday. The minister was unhurt but three bystanders were killed.

(Writing by Sayed Salahuddin; Editing by Jerry Norton)