Explosions hit Kabul following Obama visit (VIDEO)
The Afghan capital Kabul was hit by at least five explosions on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people. The attacks, claimed by the Taliban, came shortly after US President Obama’s surprise visit to sign a strategic agreement.
Among those killed were a Gurkha security guard and a child. Also at least 19 people were injured.
The attacks involved four suicide bombers, the Taliban claimed. Sporadic shooting was heard in the city along with the blasts.One of the explosions was a suicide car bomb that struck the Jalalabad road area, which is home to several foreign military bases, Kabul's police chief Mohammad Ayoub Salangi told AFP. Reuters says Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the blasts in a phone call to the news agency. "One of our mujahedeen detonated his car in front of a military base. Other mujahedeen are inside the base fighting. There are very heavy casualties for the enemy," Mujahid is reported to have said.The US embassy immediately sounded the alarm, warning staff to "take cover and to move away from the windows." Two other blasts occurred near the so-called Green Village, an area where many employees of the UN and EU reside.Obama made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan to sign the pact cementing US military and financial support to the war-torn country beyond the 2014 withdrawal. The US president also addressed the American nation from the military base in Bagram, showcasing his military achievements and promising to end the war “responsibly.”The Taliban confirmed that the bombing attacks were their response to Obama’s visit.
