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Huge blast near German consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan Suicide bomber rams explosives-packed car into German consulate in Afghanistan
(about 1 hour later)
A huge explosion has occurred near the German consulate in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif, officials say. Mass casualties are feared as a result of the incident, for which the Taliban took responsibility. At least two have been killed and around 60 injured after a car bomb rammed into the outer wall of the German consulate in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif. NATO forces secured the premises following the attack, for which the Taliban claimed responsibility.
NATO troops have been deployed to the scene, a German military spokesman told Reuters, confirming that shots had been heard outside the consulate. Alliance troops are now investigating the blast, he added. The blast occurred around 23:05 local time, according to the Bundeswehr Joint Forces Operations Command. A NATO response team was deployed from a nearby military base, a German military spokesman told Reuters, confirming that shots had been heard outside the consulate.
At least one person died in the incident, according to some reports. At least 28 people have been injured, according to local freelance journalist Bilal Sarwary, citing a medical source. Afghan special forces cordoned the area off and military helicopters have been reportedly seen buzzing around.
A truck laden with explosives was detonated outside the consulate, which is also close to a hotel and a guest house, stated reports which cited local authorities. Local journalist Tahir Qadiry reported that shots were fired by German soldiers to prevent anyone from approaching the compound.
Residents said they heard a “huge” blast, which shattered the windows of nearby buildings. “The suicide attacker rammed his explosives-laden car into the wall of the German consulate in the city," local police chief Sayed Kamal Sadat told AFP.
At least two people were killed in the attack, according to the head doctor of a local hospital, Noor Mohammad Fayez. DPA reported that up to 50 people were wounded in the attack, but there was no official confirmation about the casualties so far. There is also no information about possible casualties among German personnel.
Afghan government spokesman Munir Farhad confirmed the attack to DPA. The majority of injuries were caused by glass from surrounding buildings shattering, he added.
A crisis task force was assembled by German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Foreign Ministry late on Thursday, Reuters reported, citing a ministry source. NATO forces are evacuating the consulate, the NATO spokesman said.
The Taliban has taken responsibility for the bombing. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that the attack was a revenge for the last week's airstrike in Kunduz that killed about 30 civilians, Dutch BNO news reports.The Taliban has taken responsibility for the bombing. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that the attack was a revenge for the last week's airstrike in Kunduz that killed about 30 civilians, Dutch BNO news reports.