Suicide attack in Kabul kills several, wounds 198 others

KABUL - A powerful suicide bombing followed by gun shots have claimed several lives and injured 198 others on Tuesday, an official said.

"Several dead bodies and 198 injured persons have so far been taken to hospitals for medical treatment," spokesman for Public Health Ministry, Aziz Qawosi told Xinhua.

It is difficult to say the exact number of the bodies at the moment, the official said.

A suicide bomber blew himself up next to a government building at 08:50 am local time (0420GMT) in Pul-e-Mahmood Khan locality next to Presidential Palace and Defense Ministry, enabling others to enter the building triggering heavy fighting.

Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The target, according to police is VIP Protection Directorate of Presidential Palace and gunshot is halted at around 11:00 am local time.