Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack on a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation convoy that killed eight people near the United States embassy in Kabul, Reuters reported. Afghan officials said that at least 28 people were injured in the incident that took place near Massoud Square in central Kabul.
In a statement on its Amaq news agency, the extremist group said that its suicide bomber detonated an explosives-rigged car as the convoy passed an area near the US embassy.
The blast struck Kabul’s PD 9 area and was heard throughout the city early on Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported. Witnesses told the broadcaster that it was a suicide attack targeting National Defence Security guards.
The blast targeted armoured personnel carriers used by the Nato-led Resolute Support mission, a witness told Reuters. A large number of civilian vehicles in the area were damaged.
The blast comes in the wake of a Taliban strike near an Afghan military base on April 22 in which 140 soldiers were killed. At least 10 insurgents, dressed in military attire, had targeted soldiers who had gone to a mosque for Friday prayers in the Mazar-e-Sharif. While two suicide bombers had blown themselves up, seven others were killed after hours of fighting. One of the attackers was detained.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!