Suicide Attack in Kabul Leaves at Least 10 Dead

A suicide bomber detonated himself near the National Information Center of Afghanistan in Kabul on Monday. Afghan security officials report that at least 10 people have been killed in the attack. Nasrat Rahimi, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, stated that the attack occurred at 7:40 AM local time in Abdul Haq Square, near the entrance to the National Security building. The U.S. Embassy and the main headquarters of NATO forces are also located in this area, and it has been reported that the main road leading to the National Security building was closed following the attack. The spokesman for the Ministry of Interior said, 'Before the suicide bomber could approach his target, security forces attempted to stop him. But before they could shoot, the attacker detonated himself. Two soldiers were killed, and the rest of the casualties were civilians.' The Afghanistan section of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty quoted Mr. Rahimi as saying that the perpetrator of this suicide attack was a teenager and that five others were also injured in the incident. Another spokesman for the Ministry of Interior stated that the suicide bomber detonated himself while approaching his target on foot, killing several people who were in passing vehicles. Najib Danish said, 'While the attacker detonated himself, a passing Toyota vehicle was also targeted.' However, he added that it is still unclear what the primary target of the suicide bomber was. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for this attack. The group's message was published on the 'Amaq' website, which is affiliated with the militants. In the past, Taliban militants and forces associated with the Islamic State group have been the main perpetrators of suicide attacks in Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan. Security measures in Kabul have intensified in recent months.