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Kabul rocked by deadly explosion, followed by gunfire Kabul rocked by deadly explosion, followed by gunfire
(35 minutes later)
A large explosion tore through Kabul Wednesday morning, shattering windows and killing and wounding multiple people, according to initial reports from Afghan officials. KABUL — A large explosion tore through Kabul Wednesday morning, shattering windows and killing and wounding multiple people, according to initial reports from Afghan officials.
The target of the explosion is still not known, but it appears to have occurred near the Ministry of Defense building. Even an hour after the blast, the sound of gunfire can be heard as police vehicles and ambulances race toward the scene. According to preliminary information, the target was an elite Afghan intelligence unit tasked with protecting government leaders. The attack began when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the gate of the agency, located less than a mile away from the presidential palace and the Ministry of Defense headquarters.
The attack ended several weeks of relative calm in the Afghan capital, but it occurred one week after the Taliban announced the start of its annual spring offensive. An hour after the blast, the sound of gunfire could be heard as police vehicles and ambulances raced toward the scene.
The attack ended several weeks of relative calm in the Afghan capital. It occurred one week after the Taliban announced the start of its annual spring offensive.
After the explosion, assailants apparently made their way inside the agency compound, sparking the gunbattle.
Officials said at least 20 people may have been killed. Afghanistan’s TOLO News reported that more than 150 people may have been injured.
The impact of the explosion shattered windows and cracked the facades of nearby shops and businesses, according to witnesses.
In a statement, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack, saying it’s a sign insurgents can’t defeat Afghan forces in a “face-to-face battle.”
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