Story highlights The attack occurred near a bus station in Khost

A United Nations official had urged a halt to fighting in the spirit of Ramadan

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) A car bombing killed at least 18 people Saturday morning in eastern Afghanistan, the latest strike in a war-weary nation now observing the start of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

The brazen attack belied the spirit of Ramadan , a period marked the world over by prayer, fasting and charity.

Six people also were wounded in the attack, carried out near a bus station in the city of Khost, Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. A suicide bomber driving an explosive-packed vehicle targeted an Afghan military convoy in the attack, according to Taliban Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid.

The incident comes during the spring offensive of the Taliban , the militant group that long has fought the government and US-led coalition forces, and as ISIS works to establish a presence in the country.