India says its embassy was the target of a suicide bomb attack in Kabul that killed at least 12 people. Close to 90 others were injured in the blast that tore through a crowded market building nearby.

The embassy is in a heavily guarded compound in the centre of the Afghan capital. It is thought none of those killed were diplomatic staff. A witness said it was around 8.30 in the morning when a car which was parked outside the embassy blew up. “There were a lot of street cleaners…most were killed,” he added. Security around the embassy and other official buildings have been upgraded in recent months. An Indian official said those measures prevented loss of life within the compound. Today marks the start of the ninth year of the war in Afghanistan. With the battle against the Taliban intensifying, the conflict has piled pressure on US President Barack Obama. He is expected to decide soon on a new strategy for Aghanistan.More about: Afghanistan, Attack

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