Six Italian soldiers have been killed in a bomb attack on a military convoy in the Afghan capital, Kabul, today (Thursday).

Two military vehicles were reported to have been hit by a suicide car bomb. At least 10 civilians were also killed and dozens injured, Afghan officials said.

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack in the city centre.

Following the blast, Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi said it would be best for international troops to leave Afghanistan "as soon as possible". But he added it was a decision Italy would have to take in agreement with other Nato partners.

The latest deaths come as Afghan President Hamid Karzai reaffirmed his belief in last month's presidential election which is mired in allegations of widespread fraud.

Quoting witnesses officials said an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the Italian military convoy on Kabul's busy airport road.

"It was a suicide car bomb attack... It was against Italian forces," Kabul's chief of criminal investigations told the AFP news agency. At least four Italian soldiers are also said to have been seriously wounded.

Eyewitnesses said the explosion shook buildings and that a plume of black smoke hung over the area where it occurred.