Picture Courtesy : AP
The death toll from a Taliban suicide attack in the Afghan capital late Monday night rose to 16 civilians, with another 119 people wounded, an official said, while angry residents climbed into the international compound that had been targeted and set part of it on fire.
In a report by AFP, Thick black smoke rose on Tuesday morning from the Green Village, home to several international organizations and guesthouses and a frequent target of attacks — to the peril of nearby local residents as well.
Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said some 400 foreigners had been rescued after the suicide bombing targeted the compound, which houses several international organizations and guesthouses. The blast occurred on the street outside the compound and destroyed a number of homes.
Five attackers were shot and killed by security forces after the blast caused by a tractor rigged with explosives, Rahimi said. The explosion hit the western wall of the compound.
The attack occurred just hours after a US envoy briefed the Afghan government on an agreement “in principle” with the Taliban that would see 5,000 US troops leave the country within five months.
