A suicide attacker targeted a convoy of the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) near its base in the Afghan capital Kabul, leaving at least three foreign soldiers dead on Tuesday, said officials.
The NATO led coalition force in a statement said, "We can confirm three International Security Assistance Force members died as a result of an enemy attack in Kabul. Currently, Afghan officials and ISAF are reviewing the incident." The coalition force did not disclose the victims' nationalities.
Deputy Afghan Interior Minister, Gen. Ayub Salangi confirmed the attack, adding that at least 20 people were injured in the suicide attack including foreign soldiers and civilians. An ISAF official in Afghanistan told media, "We are assessing the damage and details and will provide details soon." According to local media reports, two ISAF vehicles were destroyed in the blast killing at least three foreign troops and wounding 20 others. The blast took place on the airport road near the United States' embassy close to the country's Supreme Court.
Security forces cordoned off the chaotic scene as sirens blared from fleeing ambulances and from the U.S. Embassy.
Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with the group's spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying two vehicles of ISAF were destroyed and a large number of foreign troops killed in the car suicide bombing, said media reports.
The attack came at a time as more of foreign combat troops prepare to withdraw by the end of the year from Afghanistan.