Afghan Capital Hit By Suicide Attack, Casualties Feared

By Staff, Agencies

At least five people lost their lives after a suicide attack targeted a government-run defense ministry in Kabul, the first major attack in the Afghan capital in months.

"Five including three military personnel and two civilians were killed," interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told Reuters, adding that 12 people were wounded, five of them civilians.

The blast took place at the entrance gate of the Marshal Fahim Military Academy, Reuters News Agency reported quoting interior ministry sources.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes after nearly three months of relative calm in the capital.

The Taliban have refrained from attacking major urban centers in an effort to keep talks with the US on track, though violence in the provinces has continued.