Kabul Ambulance Blast Death Toll Climbs to 95

At least 95 killed by Kabul ambulance bomb claimed by Taliban – Chicago Tribune.

Islamabad, MINA – The death toll of the ambulance suicide bombing in Afghan capital Kabul climb to 95 where 163 others were wounded in the deadly explosion on Saturday, KUNA reported, citing officials.

Spokesman for the ministry of public health, Wahid Majrooh has confirmed that 95 people were killed and 163 others wounded in the bombing in Sedarat Square in the heart of Kabul city.

An emergency was imposed in all hospitals of the city where high casualty toll put a serious strain on medical facilities. The explosion also caused damage to nearby buildings and shops while the blast was heard around two kilometers.

Afghan Interior Ministry deputy spokesperson, Nasrat Rahimi told media that most of the victims were civilians and Taliban rebels were responsible for the attack.

The blast occurred near high security zone that houses several high-profile offices including European Union and High Peace Council, charged with negotiating with the Taliban rebels.

According to local media, Taliban rebels have claimed responsibility of the blast saying that many policemen were killed in the bombing.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack as a “crime against humanity.” A statement by the Presidential Palace said, “With deep sorrow, terrorists have once again repeated their unforgivable act by killing civilians including women and children, they martyred our people who were busy on their routine activities near Jamhuriat Hospital.”

Pakistan has strongly condemned the “terrorist” attack in Kabul.

“We express deep grief and sorrow at the loss of precious human lives in this terrorist attack in which a number of people have also been reportedly injured,” a statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office said.

US Embassy in Kabul and NATO mission in Afghanistan also condemned the deadly attack.

The Saturday bombing is the deadliest in Kabul since a truck bomb ripped through diplomatic quarter last year in May; killing around 150 people and wounding hundreds others. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)