Taliban carry out twin bombings near Kabul defense ministry

Islamic Extremism

AFGHANISTAN-UNREST-ATTACKAfghan security personnel arrive at the site of a twin suicide bombing near the Ministry of Defense in Kabul on September 5, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / WAKIL KOHSAR

Twin bombings near the Afghan Defense Ministry have killed at least 24 people, including two security force generals, in an attack claimed by the Taliban.

Public Health Ministry spokesman said another 91 people were wounded in Monday’s attack in central Kabul.

Deputy Defense Ministry spokesman said the second bombing was caused by a suicide attacker who struck the area of the first blast after security forces gathered there.

Senior police investigator Faredoon Obiadi said the suicide attacker was wearing a military uniform.

AFGHANISTAN-UNREST-ATTACK

Afghan policemen transport wounded colleagues following a twin suicide bombing near the Ministry of Defense in Kabul on September 5, 2016.
/ AFP PHOTO / WAKIL KOHSAR

A district police chief and an army general were among those killed in the attack, three officials told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group had carried out the attack.

The insurgents have been fighting to overthrow the U.S.-backed government for 15 years, and frequently target Afghan security forces.

Story by The Associated Press