Kabul : A huge explosion has been reported in Kabul city, close to the Indian Embassy, which was not the target. All Indian Embassy staff are safe. Windows and doors of the Indian Embassy’s building have been partly damaged following the explosion. Afghan Police say the blast was a car explosion and several people have been killed, Reuters reported. News agency ANI reports, quoting sources, that the Iranian Embassy was the target. This could not be immediately confirmed by any Afghanistan official.
“By God’s grace, Indian Embassy staff are safe in the massive #Kabul blast,” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted this morning. “Massive VBIED (Vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) not too far from our Embassy,” Indian ambassador in Kabul Manpreet Vohra said. The Indian embassy is located in the diplomatic area of Kabul that also houses several ministries and is close to the presidential palace. Jessica Donati, who covers Afghanistan for WSJ, confirmed the blast earlier this morning, tweeting: “Massive explosion just shattered all the windows and glass in our bureau.”
Afghan officials have been quoted by Reuters as saying that at least 50 people have been killed or injured in the attack. More details are awaited.
Today’s attack in Afghanistan comes a few days after a suicide car bomber killed at least 18 people in Khost, eastern Afghanistan. The blast took place on Saturday. “A suicide car bomb in Khost province has killed 18 people and wounded six others, including two children,” ministry spokesman Najib Danish had said on Twitter.
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