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Deadly suicide bomb attack near Russian embassy in Kabul Kabul blast: Suicide bomb in diplomatic district
(35 minutes later)
A suicide bomber has attacked an area near the Russian embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul, officials say, killing at least four people. A suicide bomber has launched an attack in the diplomatic area of the Afghan capital Kabul, officials say, killing at least four people.
Officials say about 20 others have been wounded. Officials say about 20 others have been wounded in the attack.
The explosion sent black smoke billowing into the sky, with emergency services rushing to the scene.The explosion sent black smoke billowing into the sky, with emergency services rushing to the scene.
No group has claimed responsibility for the blast, but the Taliban will be the main suspects as they have launched attacks on the city in the past. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast, but the Taliban will be the main suspects as they have launched numerous attacks in the city.
Since the beginning of 2016, Kabul has been hit by at least at least six bomb attacks - in the most recent on Sunday a rocket landed near the Italian embassy, wounding two security guards. The Indian and Pakistani missions have also recently been targeted.
Tolo News reported that the bomb was detonated by a motorcycle rider who was targeting a civilian bus in the west of the city.Tolo News reported that the bomb was detonated by a motorcycle rider who was targeting a civilian bus in the west of the city.
However, Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi was quoted by the Associated Press as saying that the explosion was caused by a car bomb. However, interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi was quoted by the Associated Press as saying that the explosion was caused by a car bomb.
The latest incident follows recent attacks near the Indian, Pakistani and Italian missions in Afghanistan. "Police are working to identify the victims of today's attack, but there was no military convoy [in the area], they were all civilians," Mr Sediqqi said on his Twitter page.
Witnesses near the scene of the bomb say at least two people burned to death in the bus while civilians nearby - including a child - were also killed.
A Russian foreign ministry source told the Interfax news agency that the attack was close to but not directed at its embassy.
Last week at least seven Afghan security personnel were killed in a gun battle near the Pakistani consulate in Jalalabad.Last week at least seven Afghan security personnel were killed in a gun battle near the Pakistani consulate in Jalalabad.
Observers have speculated that the attacks could be aimed at destabilising attempts to revive peace talks with Taliban, but there is no confirmation.Observers have speculated that the attacks could be aimed at destabilising attempts to revive peace talks with Taliban, but there is no confirmation.
The peace push is being pursued by Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the US. The Taliban are being urged to take part following the breakdown of previous negotiations in July.