Suicide car bombing in Kabul claims multiple lives

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - A powerful suicide car bombing at the entrance of a government compound in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday claimed dozens of lives and injured scores, according to eyewitness and official accounts.

At around 12.50 p.m. local time (0820GMT), an ambulance packed with explosives was detonated at the entrance of the Interior Ministry, close to busy Sadarat Square during afternoon rush hour. The Health Ministry has confirmed more than 70 wounded people were rushed to public hospitals for treatment.

Eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency that at least 22 people, including civilians and guards at the ministry, lost their lives in this massive bombing in a crowded area close to a number of public offices, embassies, and markets.

The attack comes a week after five Taliban militants stormed the iconic Intercontinental Hotel in the city, killing more than 20 local and foreign guests staying in the capital’s fortified green zone.