Kabul witnessed four explosions on Saturday that killed at least one security force member and wounded six others--including a civilian--and an assault by gunmen on a vehicle killing an MoD official and his driver, amid hopes for potential peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
The first blast happened at around 6:30 am in Sarak-e-Naw area in Kabul’s PD5 (police district 5), Kabul police said in a statement.
The blast targeted a private vehicle in which one security force member was killed and two others, including a civilian, were wounded, police said.
The second blast happened in Hangarha Roundabout in Kabul’s PD15 at around 7:20 am, leaving two policemen wounded, police said.
The third explosion happened in the Company area in Kabul’s PD5 and had no casualties, according to the statement.
Also in the afternoon, the Kabul police headquarters confirmed the report of an explosion in Bagh-e-Bala in PD2 of Kabul.
The Afghan Ministry of Interior said that an IED was placed in a motorcycle in Bagh-e-Bala in PD2 and two people were wounded as a result of the blast.
Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Aryan meanwhile said that the IED blasts are part of the Taliban's "psychological war" and they are aiming to create fear among the people.
He said that these blasts are also intended to create divisions between the people and the government.
“We are at war with the Taliban in all areas of the country,” he said.
Also today, a commander of the logistics department of the Ministry of Defense and his driver were killed in a gun ambush in Kabul.
Meanwhile, residents in Kabul have said that the security and intelligence agencies have failed to ensure the security of the public.
“Our police can't serve, they can't provide us security in proper way,” said Safiullah, a resident in Kabul.
“The government is not able to protect the people,” said Muhaiuddin, a resident.
Military experts also said that the recent violence in Kabul raises serious questions.
“The security measures that were planned by the security agencies for Kabul and other regions are imaginary,” said Assadullah Nadim, a military analyst.
“If someone claims to be from this country and claims to love this nation, they must step down today and this will be one of the brave actions,” said military analyst, Atiqullah.