Number Of Deaths In Kabul Car Bombing Rises To 35

Kabul: The death toll from a suicide car bomb blast in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Monday rose by more than 10 to at least 35, according to a senior government official.

The number of deaths was reported to be 24 today morning, when the blast took place. Over 42 wounded were wounded in the attack. 

The Taliban had earlier claimed responsibility for the blast in the western part of Kabul. The government official spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to talk to the media about the incident. 

The neighbourhood in which Monday's bomb detonated is home to many Shiite Hazaras, a persecuted ethnic minority who have been targeted many times in the past.

Kabul has accounted for at least 20 percent of all civilian casualties this year, including at least 150 people killed in a massive truck bomb attack at the end of May, according to United Nations figures.

It also coincides with the US administration weighing up its strategic options for Afghanistan, including the possibility of sending more troops to bolster the training and advisory mission already helping Afghan forces.