At least 90 dead in Kabul explosion: IS claims responsibility

The terrorist attack in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul has claimed the lives of 90 people, and nearly 400 were wounded, the country’s healthcare ministry said. The car bomb attack struck Kabul’s diplomatic quarter.

Medical personnel say the death toll might rise, many of the wounded are in critical condition, including women and children. The Islamic State terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for the attack. The bomb exploded at 08:30 local time on May 31 in the Vazir Akbar Khan district, near the German embassy.

Embassies of several other countries, including Iran, India and Japan are also stationed here. Mohammed Idris Sarvari – the security chief for the German embassy, said two Afghan guards were killed, and two others are missing. Employees of diplomatic representations were injured, as well as five employees of BBC.

Kabul Police Chief Shah Hussein Faruk confirmed that the bomb was placed in a tanker vehicle. Witnesses said a 15 meter depth crater has appeared in the explosion site. Nearby buildings are either partially or completely destroyed. According to local media, more than 50 vehicles have been partially or completely destroyed. Afghan president Ashraf Ghani condemned the terror attack in a statement.