At least 2 killed in Taliban attack on German consulate in Afghanistan

At least two people were killed and scores were injured when militants attacked the German consulate in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif by ramming a car packed with explosives into its high outer wall.

Citing German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, the Guardian reports that the bombing was claimed by the Taliban in retaliation for Nato airstrikes last week near the northern city of Kunduz.

At least two people were killed and 60 wounded, some critically and a nearby market selling carpets was set alight.

Meanwhile, there was no immediate report on whether consulate staff were among the dead or wounded.

The consulate is located in a large building close to the Blue Mosque in the centre of Mazar-i-Sharif and is surrounded by high walls and heavily secured.

Last Thursday's airstrikes in Kunduz, in which several Afghan civilians were killed, were called in when US and local troops came under heavy fire during an operation in which two American service members also died.