The Taliban plotted to blow up US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke during his visit to southern Helmand province on Tuesday, a spokesman for the provincial governor, Daud Ahmadi, told Pajhwok Afghan news agency.
The Taliban sent three suicide bombers to a square in the lawless Marja district of Helmand, where Holbrooke was due to meet US troops on Tuesday, Ahmadi said, Adn kronos reported.
One of the trio detonated his explosives as he apparently became frustrated when the envoy and other foreign and local officials changed plans and decided not to visit the square.
He killed himself and his two fellow bombers, the official said.
Holbrooke also escaped a rocket attack on his helicopter when he was leaving, the official said.
The Taliban did not immediate issue a comment.
They were driven out of the volatile district during a major military offensive of Afghan and NATO forces in February.
Holbrooke met US troops during his visit and discussed the security situation, Pajhwok said.
The envoy also held a meeting with tribal elders and listened to their concerns about the security in the district.