Kabul bomb attack kills 17 and injures 79 in Afghan capital

A suicide bombing has killed at least 17 people and injured 110 others in the centre of Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, officials say.

It happened near the old interior ministry building, which is close to the offices of the European Union and the High Peace Council.

The Taliban have said they carried out the attack. There are reports an ambulance was used to hide the bomb.

A week ago, Taliban militants killed 22 people in a luxury Kabul hotel.

Witnesses say the area - home to foreign embassies and the city's police headquarters - was crowded with people when the bomb exploded on Saturday morning. Plumes of smoke were seen from around the city.

Officials said the death toll would probably continue to rise as casualties were brought to hospitals for medical attention.

Who are the Taliban?

The Taliban, a hardline Islamic movement, control large swathes of Afghanistan and parts of neighbouring Pakistan.

News Courtesy : http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42843897