UPDATE - Car bombing hits Afghan capital, casualties reported

UPDATES WITH CASUALTIES, ADDS TALIBAN’S CLAIM OF RESPONSIBILITY, REVISES HEADLINE, DECK; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - A suicide car bombing rocked the Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday, an official confirmed. Casualties were reported.

The massive explosion targeted police in the crowded Mirwais Maidan neighborhood during the morning rush hours.

According to the Health Ministry, nearly 100 people got wounded. The local Salam Afghanistan radio reported that the attack left at least 10 people dead.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing via a social media post, asserting that a recruitment center of the security forces was targeted.

Nusrat Rahimi, spokesman for the Interior Ministry, told Anadolu Agency that the attack followed a large scale operation against the Daesh terror group’s cells in the city overnight.

The attack came as the Taliban continue talks for a proposed peace deal with the U.S. in Qatar.

The attack has been widely condemned by top Afghan officials, including Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

"The terrorists aim to disrupt the presidential election campaign. We are committed to the democratic process and our resolve is unshakable," he said on Twitter.

He urged for dialogue: "Instead of terrorist attacks, let us resolve our issues through negotiations."