Kabul suicide blast kills 8, wounds dozens, including US soldiers

By Euronews with Reuters

Published on 03/05/2017 - 07:56

At least eight are killed and dozens wounded in an ISIL-claimed suicide blast targeting a military convoy in the Afghan capital.

ISIL has claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing on a convoy of military vehicles in Kabul. At least eight people have died and dozens were wounded, officials said.

All the fatalities were civilians, according to Ismail Kawasi, a spokesman for the Health Ministry.

US Navy Captain Bill Salvin said three US service members were among those injured in the explosion, which took place near the American embassy in the Afghan capital.

Those in need of medical attention have been transferred to hospitals in the city.

The blast targeted armoured personnel carriers used by the NATO-led Resolute Support mission during the morning rush hour.

“When two American tanks arrived here, the attacker ran towards them and there was an explosion. When I saw it I cycled away quickly. The American tanks moved away from the area,” eyewitness Sham-ul-Haq told the press.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions in Afghanistan. Less than a week earlier, the Taliban announced the launch of its yearly spring offensive in the country.