8 killed in central Kabul explosion

International Desk: At least eight people were killed in a large explosion in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, health officials said, with initial reports saying the target was a NATO convoy.

The explosion struck at Shash Darak road in the central Macroyan area where the attacker blew himself up near a National Defence Security (NDS) checkpoint early on Wednesday, military officials said.

Wahid Majrouh, a health ministry spokesman, said that at least 8 people were killed and 25 others wounded.

"The injured were transferred to two hospitals in the area; the Wazir Akbar Khan hospital and the Emergency Hospital. Some of the wounded are in a critical condition," Majrouh said.

"There are dead bodies lying on the road here, several are believed to be from the NDS," Abdul Haq, a witness, said.

"Police are clearing the area and the city is high alert," he added.

The blast happened in an area not far from the US embassy and a compound used by the NATO-led Resolute Support mission.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of yet. The blast came several days after the Taliban announced their so-called "spring offensive", in which they vowed to target foreign troops.

Source: Agencies




risingbd/May 3, 2017/Mukul