Afghan attack

Another 15 people, including a number of children, were injured in the attack by several gunmen, officials said.

Meanwhile, in the east, a bombing at a funeral killed at least 24 people.

In the wake of the attacks, President Ashraf Ghani said he was ordering the resumption of offensive operations against the Taliban and other groups.

He accused the militants of ignoring repeated calls for a reduction in violence.

President Ashraf Ghani said the assault near the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif had been contrary to all human values and Islamic teachings.

Insurgents targeted those leaving Friday prayers at the base's mosque and others in a canteen, the army said.

Some of the survivors suggested the attackers had had inside help.

One of the injured soldiers said: "When an attacker enters the base, why was he not challenged? There is not just one barrier or security gate, there are seven or eight."

Juma Mohammed Abdullah al-Kaabi, 65, was caught in a bomb attack that killed 11 others at the Kandahar governor's guesthouse on 10 January.

He had been receiving treatment for his wounds at a hospital in Abu Dhabi.

The Taliban denied being behind the attack, blaming it on "internal local rivalry".