In the suicide attack that targeted the convoy of NATO-led troops Tuesday morning in Afghan capital Kabul a dozen people were killed and over 40 others sustained injuries, all civilians, Interior Ministry said in a statement.

"Preliminary information indicates that 12 innocent civilians were martyred and 47 others sustained injuries in the suicide car bomb against ISAF forces," the statement emphasized.

There are several women and children among those killed in the terrorist attack, it further said.

Twelve civilian vehicles including a bus were damaged in the incident, the statement added.

Earlier officials at the site of incident said that 20 people were killed and 18 others sustained injuries.

There are no casualties on Afghan soldiers, according to a press release of Afghan Defense Ministry.

Taliban militants fighting Afghan and NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) have claimed of responsibility.

A Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in talks with media via telephone from unknown location said that a militant namely Asmudin carried out the suicide attack killing self and 30 foreign soldiers.

However, officials rejected the claim as mere propaganda, saying vast majority of the victims were innocent civilians.

Taliban militants announced early last week to launch spring offensive dubbed "Al-Faath" which means victory; while Afghan defense ministry described it a mere propaganda, saying Taliban are not in a position to confront the troops.