'Car Bomb Attack' As Panetta Lands In Afghanistan

A suspected car bomb attack has taken place at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, as US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta was flying into the British base.

The Pentagon said an Afghan national drove a stolen pick-up truck on to the ramp area of the base's airfield and then into a ditch running alongside the runway.

It is understood the vehicle did not explode, but the driver caught fire. He was arrested as he tried to run away.

The incident happened about the same time Mr Panetta's plane was landing.

There was no immediate indication that the Afghani was attempting to attack Mr Panetta, but the circumstances are still being pieced together, Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain John Kirby said.

The driver was taken into custody and is being treated for severe burns.

Initial reports said no explosive devices were found in the vehicle or during a search of the driver.

An Isaf soldier, believed to be British, was injured during the earlier incident when the vehicle used in the suspected attack was stolen from the base.

An investigation has now been launched into the driver's identity. He is believed to be a civilian employed at the base.

The attack comes just days after a lone US soldier allegedly murdered 16 Afghan civilians .

Tensions between the US and Afghanistan are running high in the wake of the killings.

Extra security measures in place for Mr Panetta's visit showed how nerves were on edge.

He landed at Camp Bastion so he could visit troops at the US Camp Leatherneck, which is part of the same complex.

Mr Panetta told American soldiers at the camp: "We'll be challenged by our enemy. We'll be challenged by ourselves. We'll be challenged by the hell of war itself.

"But none of that, none of that, must ever deter us from the mission that we must achieve."

Back in Washington DC, President Barack Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron have stressed their commitment to seeing out the mission in Afghanistan - without "any sudden, additional changes".