KABUL - At least 28 people were killed and 327 others wounded in a coordinated attack on the VIP protection unit in Kabul on Tuesday morning.
A heavy explosion occurred in front of the unit in the 16th police district of the capital, allowing a number of fighters to enter and exchange gunfire with security forces at around 9am.
Brig. Gen. Abdur Rahman Rahimi, commander of the 101st Asmayee Zone, told reporters at the site 28 people were killed and 182 others injured in the massive assault.
Most of the victims were civilians, including children and women, he said, adding some of the wounded were in critical condition. Those with with slight injuries were discharged after being administered first aid.
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said at least seven bodies and 327 injured people had been evacuated to Kabul hospitals until 12:30pm.
Abdul Basir, one of the injured, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “I was in a hotel when a strong explosion occurred. My room’s caved. I don’t know what happened next.”
Workers of the hotel, which is located about 200 meters from the incident site, suffered injuries, the man added.
Tamim, 26, was hit by shrapnel in his foot while standing in front of his shop.He said several shopkeepers near him were injured as windowpanes fallen on them.
Safiullah, seriously injured in his back, said he was selling cigarettes on his handcart in front of the Edigah Mosque. Most of the people killed or wounded were civilians or poor labourers, he added.
As usual, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the assault that comes a week after the insurgent group announced the launch of its spring offensive.
The militants said all people inside the building had been killed or wounded by a number of fighters who entered there.  (Pajhwok)