Police say a roadside bomb has killed a district administrator and two of his bodyguards in northern Afghanistan.

Thursday's attack in Takhar province came as Afghans were celebrating the first day of the Persian new year, or Nowruz.

Police spokesman Abdul Khalil Asir says the bomb went off as the official drove over a bridge near his home in Ishkamish district.

He says Abdul Manan Hakimi was heading out in the morning to make preparations for the holiday celebration.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack in an email to reporters.

Afghan officials are common targets for Taliban insurgents, who say they are collaborating with Western occupiers and do not consider them civilians. Last year saw a surge of assassinations of Afghans connected to the government.