The Latest: Suicide bombing hits residential area in Kabul

KABUL – The Latest on twin bombings near Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry (all times local):

12:50 a.m.

An Afghan official says a suicide car bomber has targeted a residential area in Kabul late at night.

An explosion rocked the neighbourhood of Shar-e Now, or New City, area around 11 p.m. on Monday, followed by gunfire that is still underway.

Sediq Sediqqi, the spokesman for the Ministry of Interior says the target of the attack was not immediately clear. He says that after the explosion, two more attackers entered one of the buildings in the area.

Sediqqi says the police believe it is one of the guest houses in the neighbourhood, which houses foreigners and diplomats. There was no immediate word on casualties.

All major roads in the area have been blocked by police.

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5:30 p.m.

Afghan officials say the death toll from twin bombings near the Defence Ministry has climbed to 24.

Public Health Ministry spokesman Ismail Kawasi says another 91 people were wounded in Monday’s attack, which was claimed by the Taliban.

Deputy Defence Ministry spokesman Mohammad Radmanish says the second bombing was caused by a suicide attacker who struck the area of the first blast after security forces gathered there.

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4:45 p.m.

Afghan officials say twin bombings near the Defence Ministry in the capital have killed at least five people.

Deputy Defence Ministry spokesman Mohammad Radmanish says the second bombing on Monday was caused by a suicide attacker who struck the area of the first blast after security forces gathered there.

Public Health Ministry spokesman Ismail Kawasi says five people were killed and another 15 were wounded in the attack, which took place as ministry employees were leaving their offices.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group had carried out the attack. The insurgents have been fighting to overthrow the U.S.-backed government for 15 years, and frequently target Afghan security forces.