Afghanistan: Taliban suicide attack kills up to 40

Afghan security forces keep watch at the site of a suicide attack on the western outskirts of Kabul. Reuters

Two Taliban suicide bombers have killed up to 40 police cadets and civilians and wounded another 40 in an attack on a military convoy outside Kabul.

The bombers targeted buses carrying recently graduated cadets returning from a ceremony on the western outskirts of the city.

A police official who declined to be identified said three buses were attacked as they approached the Afghan capital from neighbouring Wardak province.

"Initial information we have is that two suicide bombers were involved and there are many casualties," he said.

An interior ministry official said at least 30 people were killed and 40 wounded.

The Taliban's official spokesperson Abdulqahar Balkhi has claimed responsibility on Twitter for the attack.

This is the second major terror attack in Kabul this month. It comes 10 days after an attack on a bus carrying Nepali security guards working for the Canadian embassy in Kabul that killed 14 people.

In April, at least 64 people were killed by a Taliban attack on a security services facility in Kabul in the deadliest bombing of its kind in Afghanistan since 2011.

Additional reporting by Reuters.

related articles
Taliban chief likely killed in US air strikes

Taliban chief likely killed in US air strikes

Afghanistan: Catholic human rights worker abducted in Kabul
Afghanistan: Catholic human rights worker abducted in Kabul

Afghanistan: Catholic human rights worker abducted in Kabul

Suicide bombers kill more than 20 as Taliban onslaught continues in Afghanistan

Suicide bombers kill more than 20 as Taliban onslaught continues in Afghanistan

News
Church of England encouraged by increase in church attendance
Church of England encouraged by increase in church attendance

The Church of England has welcomed latest figures showing an increase in attendance for the fourth consecutive year.

The story of the pope known as the Apostle to the English
The story of the pope known as the Apostle to the English

Pope Gregory I, known as Gregory the Great, was one of the most important popes, and his positive legacy is still felt today - not least in Britain. This is the story … 

Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide
Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide

Christians are doubling down on efforts to stop assisted suicide becoming legal in England and Wales after Kim Leadbeater's bill was debated in Westminster on Friday. 

Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign
Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign

More than 100 Christian leaders recently came together at a parliamentary reception in London for the launch of Shine Your Light 2025 — a bold evangelistic initiative aiming to bring the message of Christ to streets, neighbourhoods, and marketplaces across the UK.