Police have confirmed that a police chief and a high-ranking Defense Ministry offials were among those killed in the blasts.
Kabul blasts leaves more than 10 dead, at least 30 wounded: MoI pic.twitter.com/9RwwoXfEpg
— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) September 5, 2016
Initial reports earlier suggested that the bombing targeted Defense Ministry personnel.
#Afghan MoD spox to @pazadiradio: 9 killed & 30 wounded in blast in front of MoD. Photos Noor Kochay- social media pic.twitter.com/YOBbAetAIG
— Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) September 5, 2016
Taliban is said to have claimed responsibility for the attack.
Kabul blast updates: Talibae claim responsibility of the suicide bombing close to MoD.
— Kabul Pressistan (@Pressistan) September 5, 2016
The second blast reportedly targeted first responders as they rushed to the scene. Afghan law enforcement officers confirmed at least 30 people have been injured in the attack.
#KabulExplosion — early reports state 2nd suicide bomber detonated explosives after people responded to scene of 1st explosion #Afghanistan
— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) September 5, 2016
The Defense Ministry is located in the centre of Kabul, right next to the Presidential Palace and not far away from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) HQ and the US Embassy.