7 Afghan civilians were killed and 91 were wounded as a suicide car bomb exploded near the main gate of the NATO-led international military mission in Kabul. The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the bombing. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid signified the claim and proceeded to describe the explosives that weighed 1,100 pounds or 500 kilograms that was brought by their suicide bomber named Ahmad.

The attack was carried out in a heavily-guarded neighborhood where the U.S. Embassy and the Afghan presidential palace are also located. According to Capt. Elizabeth Mathias, a U.S. spokeswoman for the NATO-led mission, the explosion occurred near the gate of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

The NATO headquarters had been designed to have several large cement blocks and steel gates meant to prevent unauthorized outsiders to reach the entrance. Although the suicide bomber was able to go past several lines of Afghan police, he was not able to cross the barriers. He was able, though, to detonate his explosives at the doorstep to the international military mission. The blast was the first major attack in Kabul since February.

The much-awaited Afghan elections will be held on Thursday. Security in Kabul had been intensified. Much so since the Taliban have threatened to disrupt the elections and inflict violence to any Afghan who participates in the elections.

Image

Via BBC