At least 24 people were killed today when two Taliban suicide bombers on foot struck close to the defence ministry in Kabul during late afternoon rush hour, the latest assault on the Afghan capital.
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A Taliban attack on the Defense Ministry in February killed at least 15 people and wounded more than 30.
“Such acts will create distrust between the people of both countries and become a reason for further deterioration of relationship”, the group’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said in a statement.
Defense Ministry spokesman Mohammad Radmanesh said army and police personnel, as well as civilians, who had rushed to help people injured in the first blast were caught by the suicide attack, which took place near a market and transport intersection, as well as Ministries and government offices.
“He was assisting with the wounded from the initial blast when the second suicide bombing occurred”, Radmanish added.
Explosions and gunfire rocked the campus in that attack, which came just weeks after two university professors – an American and an Australian – were kidnapped at gunpoint near the school. The insurgents have been fighting to overthrow the USA -backed government for 15 years, and frequently target Afghan security forces.
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Government officials have been preparing for a conference in Brussels next month at which foreign donors, concerned about the ability of the Afghan security forces to withstand Taliban violence, are expected to pledge continuing support over coming years.
