The US peace envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, in reaction to an attack on Afghanistan’s First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, said that the peace "spoilers" are becoming desperate in their attempt to disrupt Afghan peace talks.

“As peace talks near, spoilers are becoming more desperate in their attempt to disrupt this historic opportunity. Today's attack on Amrullah Saleh's convoy is the latest example. Luckily, he survived. Tragically, this terrorist attack killed and wounded many bystanders.” Tweeted Khalilzad.

He said history has shown that when the opportunity for peace is close, spoilers will spare no effort to try and stop it.

“Afghans are not falling for their trap,” he said.

Khalilzad also said: “Afghans know that a successful peace process is the only antidote to the country's protracted conflict. Their widespread yearning for peace will be for the two negotiating teams and their leaders to satisfy.”

This comes after a blast on Wednesday morning targeted the convoy of First Vice President Amrullah Saleh in the Taimani area of Kabul city.

VP Saleh survived, sustaining only minor injuries, but the MoI said at least 10 people were killed and 16 were wounded, while other sources say the number of casualties--both dead and wounded--is significantly higher.

The Taliban denied any involvement.

Acting Interior Minister Andarabi tweeted that initial findings reveal "RDX-HMS + nitroglycerin" were used in the the Wednesday attack on VP Saleh. He says the nature of the attack is similar to attacks carried out by the Haqqani network.