02 January 2016•Update: 05 January 2016
KABUL, Afghanistan
At least two people were killed and 15 others wounded after a Taliban suicide bomber detonated his explosive in front of a restaurant frequented by Afghan officials and foreign diplomats in Afghanistan's capital Kabul late Friday afternoon, Afghan officials said.
Kabul police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi confirmed that two people, including a child, had been killed and over 15 others were wounded in the attack.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack and said the suicide bomber had targeted a restaurant that belonged to foreigners.
"A restaurant [...] targeted by a suicide bomber, heavy causalities inflicted on invaders," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed on Twitter.
He further added that a gun battle was underway, a statement refuted by Afghan officials.
Reportedly, the attacker blew himself up at the gate of French restaurant Le Jardin, killing the guard and the building caught on fire.
The Kabul-based Italian Emergency Hospital reported at least 15 wounded people had been evacuated to the center.
"Attack at Le Jardin restaurants, 15 wounded referred to hospital. A 12 years [sic] old boy dead on arrival."
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the suicide attack against the French restaurant.
"Those who are targeting innocent civilians have no place in peace talks with the Afghan people and government," he said.
Despite war season having ended in Afghanistan, the Taliban militant group have intensified their attacks against foreign and governmental locations.
At least one civilian was killed and 33 others wounded after a Taliban suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden vehicle close to Kabul International Airport on Monday, Dec. 28.
In a similar attack, at least six U.S. military personnel were killed and several others wounded late December after a suicide bomber targeted the troops on foot patrol near Bagram, the biggest U.S. air base in Afghanistan.
Also, on Dec. 11, at least four Taliban suicide bombers and gunmen stormed a guesthouse belonging to the Spanish embassy in Kabul, killing eight, including two Spanish nationals and wounding seven others.
