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At least five people have been killed in an attack on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Afghan capital Kabul, according to the Taliban. Other sources gave a significantly higher death toll. The militant Islamists reported that other people were injured in the explosion caused by a hit man on the street in front of the building.

The local branch of the terrorist militia “Islamic State” (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack. An IS fighter and “martyr” named Cheiber al Kandahari had advanced to the Foreign Ministry and detonated an explosives belt near security forces, IS said through its online channels. The IS spoke of at least 20 deaths, including diplomats. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also wrote on Twitter that at least 20 people were killed.

Afghan media also reported many more casualties, citing Foreign Ministry sources that 20 people were killed and 26 injured. A hospital near the blast site said more than 40 people were injured after the blast.

Photos shared on social media are said to show several people lying on the street in front of the ministry after the incident. The Taliban condemned the “cowardly attack on Muslims” and announced they would find and punish those responsible. “The EU condemns this attack in the strongest terms,” ​​Borrell said. Such violence only exacerbates the immense hardships that the Afghan people endure on a daily basis.

Just a week and a half ago, several people were injured and killed in an attack outside the military airport in Kabul, for which the Islamic State terrorist militia claimed responsibility.

Since the Taliban came to power, IS has stepped up its attacks in Afghanistan. The focus is mainly on religious minorities and foreign embassies. Both IS and the Taliban belong to Sunni Islam. However, both are at odds with each other. (cpf/sda/dpa)