Deadly explosion heard near US diplomatic mission in Kabul

A bomb attack has struck near the US Embassy in the center of the Afghan capital, Kabul, killing five people, officials say.

Afghan officials said a bomber set off an explosive device outside a bank on Tuesday, at a time when many security forces personnel were expected to be collecting their salaries.

Nine other people were also wounded in the assault, according to reports.

Basir Mujahid, spokesman for the Kabul police chief, said the branch of Kabul Bank was likely the target of the attack, which took place not far from the US Embassy.

Taliban have claimed responsibility for the blast. The Afghan militant group usually targets banks, especially towards the end of the month, or ahead of major holidays.

Over the past months, the Afghan capital has been rocked by a series of deadly bomb attacks claimed by Taliban as well as the Daesh Takfiri terror group, which has gained a foothold mainly in the country’s east.

According to the latest UN figures, 209 civilians were killed and 777 injured in Kabul during the first half of this year.

Over the past months, the Afghan capital has been rocked by a series of deadly bomb attacks claimed by Taliban as well as the Daesh Takfiri terror group, which has gained a foothold mainly in the country’s east.

According to the latest UN figures, 209 civilians were killed and 777 injured in Kabul during the first half of this year.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s government has faced growing public scrutiny over its failure to ensure security in the capital.

Afghanistan has been torn by decades of a Taliban-led militancy and the 2001 invasion of the US and its allies.

Washington and its allies invaded the country under the so-called war on terror. They removed Taliban from power, but have failed to stop its militant activities to this day.