7 killed in Kabul twin blasts

At least seven people were killed and 20 others injured in two explosions on Monday in central Kabul which hosts the NATO headquarters and offices of several international non-profits.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health Wahidullah Majroh confirmed the toll to Efe news.

A police official told Efe that a suicide bomber detonated the first bomb on his motorcycle at 8 a.m., in the Shash Darak area in Police District 9.

Kabul Police chief Dawood Amin said the second detonation followed after about half an hour. It took place near a group of journalists who had gathered to cover the first explosion.

"Initial information suggest the second blast was also a suicide bomber, who disguised himself as a journalist having a camera in hand to access the area," Stanekzai said.

"The bomber/attacker blew himself up among journalists and civilians who had gathered near the area of the first explosion."

It is not yet clear what was targeted in the bombing in Shash Darak where an office complex of the Afghan intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security, the NATO headquarters and several international nonprofits are located.

Last week, the Taliban rejected the Afghan government's dialogue offer proposed in late February and announced the start of its new spring military offensive.

--IANS

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