7 die in Kabul suicide attack near NATO HQ

A deadly blast occurred outside the NATO's headquarters in Kabul on Saturday. A suicide bomber breached several rings of security police before blowing up a car, near the heavily guarded NATO office.

Afghan authorities say 7 people were killed, many more injured.

Said Brigadier Eric Tremblay, spokesperson of ISAF (International Security Assistance Force): "At 0835 (04:05GMT) hours this morning a vehicle operated improvised explosive devices or suicide bomber in a vehicle detonated himself about 30 metres very close to the ISAF compound. The Afghan national security forces were able to stop the vehicle and upon the vehicle stopping the bombers decided to detonate themselves."

Abdul Fahim, who was wounded in explosion, added: "I was drinking tea in our office when a big explosion happened. I laid down then I saw wounded victims everywhere, including police and civilians. I got injured and they brought me to hospital."

Security remains a key concern as Afghanistan prepares to go to polls next week.

The Taliban, which has responsibility for Saturday's blast, has vowed to disrupt polling and has threatened attack at voting sites.

But NATO says it is fully prepared.

"The Afghan government and ISAF remain vigilant and determined to bring peace to the Afghan people," says Brigadier Tremblay.