Official says 16 dead, 119 hurt in Taliban attack in Kabul
The death toll from a late-night Taliban suicide attack in the Afghan capital rose to 16 civilians on Tuesday, with 119 people wounded, an official said.
Angry Kabul residents climbed over the wall into the international compound, which has been targeted frequently, and set part of it on fire.
Thick black smoke rose from the Green Village, home to several international organizations and guesthouses and often a target of attacks — a peril to nearby local residents as well, reports AP.
It was not immediately clear why the Taliban continue such attacks, even as a US envoy says the militant group has reached a deal "in principle" with the US on ending America's longest war, including a troop withdrawal that the Taliban already portray as their victory.
Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said some 400 foreigners had been rescued after the suicide bomber targeted the compound late on Monday. The blast occurred on the street outside and destroyed a number of homes.
Five attackers were shot and killed by security forces after the bomber, who was apparently driving a tractor packed with explosives, detonated his vehicle, Rahimi said. The explosion hit the western wall of the compound.
The attack occurred just hours after the 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.
