A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-packed car in west Kabul, killing at least six people near a compound where Afghan elders will debate a security pact with the US next week, officials said.
Another 22 were injured when the vehicle blew up about 150 metres (yards) from the giant tent where some 2500 tribal elders and civil leaders will gather on Thursday to decide on the future of US troops in the country after NATO coalition pulls out in 2014.
“Inital information shows that unfortunately four civilians, one police and one soldier have been killed in today’s attack. Twenty-two more, the majority of whom are civilians, have been injured,” spokesman for Afghan interior ministry Sediq Sediqqi told AFP, adding that the toll may rise.
A statement issued by the Afghan interior ministry said that the bomber was being pursued by security forces shortly before the explosion.
“The attacker driving a vehicle had been identified and was being pursued by security forces. He detonated himself after police opened fire on his vehicle,” a statement issued by interior ministry said.
Nasrullah, a witness, said: “I heard a big bang near the jirga site, and later saw ambulances carrying bloodied people. I saw at least three wounded in army uniforms.”
