'Press Agencies have confirmed death toll at 90 now and 400 injured since this piece was written:
Afghanistan, Kabul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A powerful explosion killed dozens of people this morning in Wazir Akbar Khan's diplomatic quarter in Kabul. The number of casualties is still uncertain: for the vice-spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, Najib Danish, they would be at least 50. At least 67 wounded have been transported to hospitals around the capital.
The explosion took place near the armed entrance of the German embassy, not far from the presidential palace. Basir Mujahid, a spokeswoman for the police, says the exact goal is difficult to determine because "other major buildings and offices" are close by.
The explosion was so strong that it would cause destruction and damage to more than 30 vehicles and homes for hundreds of meters, with smashed windows and jammed doors.
There are currently no claims for the attack.
The attack took place during the annual Taliban "spring offensive". However, the Islamic State also claimed several bomb attacks in the Afghan capital, including a powerful bombing of a NATO armored convoy on 3 May in which eight people died and 28 were injured.
The explosion is the last of a series of attacks in Kabul, in a context of growing violence throughout the country. Since the international troops withdrew at the end of 2014, the Taliban have gained ground. US sources report that 40% of the territory is under Taliban control or in any case an area of conflict. The capital province had the highest number of victims in the first three months of 2017 due to multiple attacks. Most victims are civilians.
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