24 killed in Kabul suicide blast (Lead)

Kabul July 24 (IANS) At least 24 people were killed and 42 others injured on Monday in a suicide blast here the Afghan Interior Ministry confirmed.

The blast occurred at around 6.40 a.m. when a Toyota Corolla exploded in the city s Police District 3 Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish told CNN.

In a statement to local media the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

The group was targeting a bus carrying Afghan intelligence staff Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said.

The explosion took place near the residence of Mohammad Mohaqiq second deputy of Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah the ministry added.

Afghanistan s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah "strongly condemned" the attack.

"I strongly condemn the terrorist attack on civil servants in Kabul today " he tweeted.

According to Tolo News three vehicles and 15 shops were also damaged in the attack.

--IANS
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