At least two civilians have been killed and 73 people have been wounded--mostly civilians--in an explosion in the Bagram district of northern Parwan province close to Bagram airbase on Wednesday morning. A gun battle involving seven insurgents followed the blasts but was ended this evening by airstrikes. 

Earlier on Wednesday MoI spokesman Nusrat Rahimi said that three insurgents had been killed, one had been arrested, and three were still active. 

A Resolute Support spokesman on Wednesday evening that the remaining Taliban fighters were killed in a series of airstrikes. 

Residents said earlier that a “big explosion” happened in the area and it also damaged nearby houses.

“The explosion was very heavy and surprised the people as it was very early,” said Qudousi. He added that “the attackers were hidden in a non-active hospital building and clashed with security forces.”

“The target was Bagram airbase,” he added.

Resolute Support in a statement said that “Enemy forces conducted an attack on Bagram airfield this morning, targeting a medical facility being constructed to help the Afghan people who live near the base."

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.