Afghan security forces stand at the site of an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 16, 2017. At least 10 people were killed and nine others wounded after a suicide bombing ripped through a banquet hall in northern neighborhood of Afghanistan's capital of Kabul on Thursday, police and witnesses said.(Xinhua/Rahmat Alizadah)
KABUL, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed and nine others wounded after a suicide bombing ripped through a banquet hall in northern neighborhood of Afghanistan's capital of Kabul on Thursday, police and witnesses said.
"A terrorist wearing an explosive-packed jacket tried to enter Qasr-e-Naween Hall at midday in Khair Khana Mina locality shortly before a political gathering ended," Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid told reporters near the site.
He noted that the police intercepted the attacker after identifying him but the assailant detonated his explosive, causing casualties.
"The bomber struck into the front gate of the building. The victims included seven police officers and two civilians in addition to the bomber. And among the injured people were seven policemen and two civilians," he said.
The meeting was held by supporters of Atta Mohammad Noor, governor of northern Balkh province, and a senior member of Jamiat-e-Islami of Afghanistan, a major political party, witness Ahmad Farshad told Xinhua via phone.
Several high-ranking officials, senior members of Jamiat and members of country's parliament were among the attendees of the meeting to honor Noor, he said.
Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
In late last month, 30 people, including Fazil Ahmad, a member of Jamiat, were killed and 22 civilians wounded in a suicide bomb attack in western Ghor province.
