Kabul truck bomb kills 90, wounds hundreds
INDIANS SAFE Close shave for embassy 100m away; Afghan intel blames Haqqani network, ISI
powerful bomb hidden in a sewage tanker exploded in the highly secure diplomatic quarter of Kabul on Wednesday morning, killing 90 people and demonstrating that the holy month of Ramzan would provide little respite from the violence across Afghanistan.
The blast in the heart of the Afghan capital injured 400 people and damaged the embassies of India, Bulgaria, France, Japan, Turkey and the UAE.
The bomb also destroyed or damaged more than 50 vehicles and shattered windows of buildings located hundreds of metres away.
India’s ambassador Manpreet Vohra said the bomb went off nearly 100 metres from the country’s embassy, causing “considerable damage” but all members of the staff were safe.
The National Directorate of Security said on Wednesday evening the attack was planned by the Haqqani Network in Pakistan with the “direct help” of the Inter-Services Intelligence agency, according to Afghan media.
The Taliban denied responsibility and said they condemned attacks that have no legitimate target and killed civilians.
The government’s media centre said: “In this powerful attack, 90 people have been killed and 400 wounded, including many women and children.” Health officials warned the toll could climb further.
The target of the explosion in Wazir Akbar Khan area was not immediately known and officials said it was caused by 1,500 kg of explosives hidden in the sewage tanker.
The attack took place at the peak of Kabul’s rush hour, when roads were packed with commuters.
CONTINUED ON P 8 TARGET OF BLAST NOT CLEAR, SAYS GERMANY ››P19