14 Dead as Blast Rocks Embassy District in Kabul

A loud explosion has reportedly rocked the central area of the Afghan capital of Kabul, where embassies and government buildings are located. Local agency TOLOnewsþ said the blast took place in the city’s Wazir Akbar Khan District. A Reuters witness reported that a loud blast shook windows and doors in the area, RT reported. A suicide bomber reportedly detonated an explosive device inside Kabul’s ‘Green Zone’ in the vicinity of the Australian embassy. Afghanistan’s Health Ministry has confirmed 14 people have been killed and 13 wounded in the blast, according to TOLO. The self-styled Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the explosion. The IS-affiliated Amaq news agency said an attacker used an explosive vest to target Kabul’s diplomatic quarter. Afghan government employees are said to be among those killed. Local security forces have cordoned off the area.