Two Taliban suicide bombers on foot struck close to the Afghan defense ministry in Kabul during late afternoon rush hour on Monday, killing at least 24 people and wounding 91 others, officials said.

The latest militant assault on the Afghan capital comes as the Taliban intensify their nationwide offensive against the US-backed government in Kabul.

“Two suicide bombers, both on foot, detonated their explosives… in downtown Kabul,” interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told AFP.

“The attackers blew themselves up one after another and unfortunately we do have police and civilian casualties,” he added.

At least 24 people were confirmed dead and 91 others wounded, health ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh said.

The Italian-run Emergency Hospital in Kabul tweeted that it had so far received 10 injured people, with more expected.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter that the defense ministry was the target of the first attack, while police were targeted in the second.

Source: AFP