Explosions kill at least 21, including AFP chief photographer, in Kabul
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Kabul: At least 21 people were killed, including Agence France-Presse chief photographer Shah Marai and three other journalists, when two suicide blasts ripped through Kabul early today, the health ministry has confirmed.
At least 27 people were wounded and rushed to hospital, where some are in critical condition, spokesman Wahid Majroh told Tolo news, warning the toll could rise.
The first explosion was soon followed by another. Police officer Jan Agha said the journalist died in the second blast, which also wounded two police officers.
Kabul chief of police Dawood Amin says the area of Kabul that was targeted includes foreign offices.
Mohammad Mousa Zahir, director of Wazir Akbarkhan Hospital, said several people suffering injuries from the blast were being treated at the hospital.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The local Islamic State group affiliate and the more firmly established Taliban carry out regular attacks around the country, with the Taliban usually targeting the government and security forces and IS targeting the Shiite minority. Both groups want to establish strict Islamic rule in Afghanistan.