At least 25 dead and injured
Authorities described an explosion near Kabul that struck the area outside the Russian embassy compound in Afghanistan. The incident occurred as a Russian diplomat was publicly announcing visa applicant names, an official account noted.
A source indicated that between 15 and 20 people were killed or wounded in the blast. Reuters later cited a local police spokesperson, who did not reveal his name, stating that two people had died. The police chief of the station where the attack occurred confirmed the attacker was shot dead by embassy security guards as he approached the door, adding that the identity of the assailant was not yet confirmed.
Security officials described the bomber as having failed to reach the targeted area, and representatives of the Taliban, which is banned in Russia, were mentioned in early updates. One spokesperson told reporters there was no confirmed information on victims at that moment.
Reuters observers noted that Russia remains one of the few nations to maintain an embassy in Kabul since the Taliban’s ascent to power more than a year ago. Although Moscow does not officially recognize the Taliban government, discussions with Taliban officials have continued over topics including fuel and other essential supplies.
Al Jazeera reported a casualty figure of at least 25 people killed or injured in the attack on the Russian embassy site. At Estiqlal hospital in Kabul, RIA Novosti reported at least 10 fatalities, with eight additional patients hospitalized amid the events.
Hospital staff told the agency that eight people were admitted while others were discharged after treatment.
morning attack
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a statement outlining the timing of the attack. It reported that on September 5, at 10:50 am in Kabul, an unidentified militant detonated an explosive device near the entrance to the consular section of the Russian Embassy. The ministry said two diplomatic staff members were killed and Afghan citizens were among the victims.
The Foreign Ministry added that the Russian embassy is in close contact with Afghan security services as investigations proceed. Ahead of meetings with Tajikistan’s foreign minister, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov honored the deceased diplomats with a moment of silence, as confirmed by the ministry’s spokesperson via social channels.
Lavrov described enhanced protective measures being implemented around the embassy, including the deployment of additional Taliban officials and the use of resources from Afghan intelligence and counterintelligence services. He expressed the expectation that those responsible would be identified and punished promptly.
Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin offered condolences to Lavrov on the loss of embassy staff. He added that the forces behind the attack would be sought, and if possible, collective actions would be taken to address the threat.
Russian officials also stated that the incident was terrorism and stressed the importance of obtaining reliable information about the fate of Russian diplomats. The spokesperson for the Russian president’s office emphasized the need for clarity from field reports and cautioned that initial details are often subject to change as investigations continue.