Afghan official says at least 7 people killed in Kabul bombing attacks

Afghan official: 7 dead in Kabul bombing attacks

KABUL — An Afghan Defense Ministry official says at least seven people have been killed in bombing attacks in the capital Kabul.

Gen. Ahman Zia Yaftali says seven bodies have arrived at military hospitals from the site of the Friday attack. He says there were some foreigners among the dead but did not have figures or nationalities.

He also did not have information on how many dead were police or civilians.

At least two police officers were reported dead by other sources.

The director of Kabul hospitals, Sayed Kabir Amiry, says more than 20 people have been wounded in the strike.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

KABUL (AP) — Afghan police say two policemen have been killed and another wounded in suicide attacks in the heart of Kabul.

Abdul Ghafor Sayedzada, a top investigator for the Kabul police, says a series of explosions occurred Friday morning near the Kabul City Center, a nine-story shopping area that includes the Safi Landmark Hotel. Eyewitnesses said one guest house was destroyed and another was heavily damaged.

Sayed Kabir Amiry, the director of the hospitals in the Afghan capital, says about five other people were wounded in the attack.

Attackers were exchanging gunfire with police about an hour and a half after the first blast.

Interior Ministry spokesman Zemeri Bashary says police have established a security perimeter around the area.