Suicide car bomb targeting foreign troops in Kabul kills civilian

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – A suicide car bomb early Friday morning struck a foreign troops’ convoy in eastern Kabul, killing at least one civilian and wounding four more, according to the Afghan Interior Ministry.

“Unfortunately around 9:00 am, a car bombing took place in (the) Qabil Bay area of Kabul,” Ministry’s spokesperson Najib Danish told AFP, stating that police are now investigating the attack, which occurred in an area where many expatriates reside.

Danish had also suggested the blast was carried out by a vehicle belonging to an international contractor.

Nasrat Rahimi, another spokesperson for the Afghan Interior Ministry, added that it was unclear whether there were any foreign casualties as a result of the explosion.

Witnesses reported a loud and strong blast as local news broadcasters showed extensive damage caused to nearby houses and buildings.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. It is one of the deadliest locations in the country for civilians as both the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS) are increasing their attacks in the area.

The blast came days after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani revealed a plan for peace talks with the Taliban, including a proposal to recognize them as a political party in the country.

Kabul remains on high alert, fearing further attacks and violence.

Since mid-January, militants have killed 130 people in Kabul after storming a luxury hotel, bombing a busy street, raiding a military compound, and now launching a suicide attack this morning.

Editing by Nadia Riva