No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Russia’s Foreign Ministry reports two members of its diplomatic staff were killed. The death toll could still rise.
Kabul (AsiaNews/Agencies) – At least a dozen people died today after a suicide bomber detonated explosives near the Russian embassy at around 11 am (local time), two members of the embassy’s staff were among the casualties, Russia’s foreign ministry reported.
The embassy is in close contact with the Afghan security services which are investigating the incident, the ministry added.
“The eyewitnesses close to the Russian embassy say the casualties could be very high. Some of them say that even Russian diplomats are among the dead. But it is yet to be confirmed here in Kabul,” Kabul-based journalist Najib Lalzoy told Al Jazeera.
The suicide bomber was identified and killed "before reaching the target”, Taliban authorities said.
Russia is one of the few countries to have maintained an embassy in Kabul after the Taliban came back to power in Afghanistan more than a year ago.
Although Moscow has not officially recognised the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, talks have occurred in recent weeks over oil and trade.
Today’s attack has not yet been claimed, but the Islamic State in Khorasan (IS-K) is the likely suspect since it has carried out similar attacks against Taliban targets, as well as the country’s minorities, including Shias, deemed “infidels”.
On Saturday, at least 19 people were killed and another 23 injured when a mosque in Herat was attacked. Mujib Rahman Ansari, a cleric close to the Taliban, was the target.
Recent events show once again that, despite Taliban claims that the Islamic State is beaten, they are not actually able to control the country.
What is more, foreign counties might find it increasingly difficult to keep a diplomatic presence, not to mention conduct business with the Taliban government, this for security reasons.