Five killed in multiple Kabul morning bomb attacks

An Afghan security official inspects the scene of a bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb 20, 2021. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Afghan security officials shift a vehicle from the scene of a bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb 20, 2021. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Victims' belongings are seen on the ground at the scene of a bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb 20, 2021. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

KABUL (AFP) - Three explosions rocked Kabul on Saturday morning (Feb 20), killing at least five people and injuring two others, authorities said, the latest in a series of similar recent attacks in the Afghan capital.

Police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz said that three "sticky bomb" explosions had taken place in different locations between 8am and 10am local time.

Targeted killings with remotely detonated bombs attached to vehicles have long been a favoured tactic of militants in Afghanistan, especially during the morning commute in cities, where civilians pay a disproportionate price for the violence.

No group has claimed responsibility for Saturday's attacks, though Afghan and US officials have blamed the Taleban for previous similar incidents, a charge it rejects.

Faramarz said the first explosion had injured two civilians, while the second blast had killed two soldiers, as well as a woman.

The third bomb left two police officers dead.

The details were confirmed by the Afghan Ministry of Interior.

Security sources also said at least two of the victims in the second explosion worked for the defence ministry, though the ministry would not confirm.

Peace talks between the Taleban and Afghanistan's government that began in September remain deadlocked.

The latest rise in violence has led US President Joe Biden's administration to launch a review of a deal signed between Washington and Taleban last year that paved the way for the withdrawal of all American troops in coming months.

Biden is reviewing whether to stick to a looming May 1 deadline to withdraw the remaining 2,500 US troops or risk a bloody backlash from the insurgents by staying.

General Kenneth McKenzie, head of the US Army Central Command, on Thursday indicated that conditions have not been met for a withdrawal.

While the Taleban had pledged to reduce violence under their deal with the US, they have not done so, McKenzie said on a plane to Pakistan.

"Certainly, ISIS has launched some attacks. It pales against what the Taleban is doing," McKenzie said, denouncing violence against Afghan forces, and "targeted assassinations in some of the urban areas."

"This is clearly the Taleban," he said. "There is no way it's anyone else. That's very clear."

The Taleban denies being behind escalated violence, saying those responsible are other militant groups.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.