KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- A suicide attack outside the Afghan Defense Ministry on Saturday killed and wounded several civilians as U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel visited the Afghan capital of Kabul.
Pentagon spokesman George Little said the secretary was in a briefing at a U.S.-led military coalition facility in another part of the city when the explosion occurred. He said the briefing continued without interruption.
Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi said a bicycle bomber struck just before 9 a.m. local time about 30 meters (yards) from the main gate of the ministry.
BREAKING: Official: Explosion outside Afghan defense ministry as US defense secretary visits country.
BREAKING: Official: Explosion outside Afghan defense ministry as US defense secretary visits country.-- The Associated Press
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is in safe location in Kabul as car bomb hits city, @DionNissenbaum reports
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is in safe location in Kabul as car bomb hits city, @DionNissenbaum reports-- BuzzFeed News
Taliban: “This was not a direct attack to target him [Hagel] but we want to send a message that we are always capable of hitting Kabul.”
Taliban: “This was not a direct attack to target him [Hagel] but we want to send a message that we are always capable of hitting Kabul.â€-- BuzzFeed News
Kabul suicide bomber kills nine during Hagel visit, @AFP reports
Kabul suicide bomber kills nine during Hagel visit, @AFP reports-- Michael Rusch
#AFG Deputy police chief Khost " 1of our brave policemen hugged suicide attacker as soon as he saw him &gave up his life 2save other lives.
#AFG Deputy police chief Khost " 1of our brave policemen hugged suicide attacker as soon as he saw him &gave up his life 2save other lives.-- Bilal Sarwary
Photos From The Scene:
#kabul bomb was relatively small -- MOD wall, while pockmarked w shrapnel, still standing http://t.co/133W7AWkXI
#kabul bomb was relatively small -- MOD wall, while pockmarked w shrapnel, still standing http://t.co/133W7AWkXI-- Yaroslav Trofimov
#kabulAttack scene http://t.co/3jaAgt7tvw
#kabulAttack scene http://t.co/3jaAgt7tvw-- Sultan Faizy