Cablegate: Bomb Near Embassy Kabul Kills Seven Afghans

O 151104Z AUG 09
FM AMEMBASSY KABUL
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0826
INFO AFGHANISTAN COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
NSC WASHDC PRIORITY

UNCLAS KABUL 002359

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PINS PGOV ASEC AF
SUBJECT: BOMB NEAR EMBASSY KABUL KILLS SEVEN AFGHANS

1. (U) At approximately 0835 Kabul time August 15, a suicide
vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) was
detonated near the ISAF headquarters vehicle entrance,
located approximately 100 yards from the Embassy. The
Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA)
reports that seven people were killed and 91 injured, none of
whom are U.S. citizens. However, it has been reported that
one of the wounded was a member of the Afghan Embassy
surveillance detection team.

2. (U) The Embassy immediately initiated a lock-down status,
which was moderated to allow visitors to enter the compound
through the side gate away from the area of the blast.
Personnel may exit the compound on a case-by-case basis as
approved by the Front Office, in light of preparations and
events related to the upcoming elections, and employees
scheduled to fly in or out of Kabul are also excepted. The
Embassy held a core Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on
August 15, 15:00 local time (septel),and will hold a full EAC
on August 16 at 9a.m. As needed, Embassy Kabul will report
updates.

3. (U) President Karzai issued a statement at about 1200
local time. Official translation follows:

Begin text:

Press Release
August 15, 2009
President Karzai Condemns Terrorist Attack in Kabul

H.E. Hamid Karzai strongly condemned the terrorist attack in
Kabul City this morning.

A suicide car bomb exploded near the main gate of the ISAF
headquarters this morning, killing 7 and injuring 91.

Strongly condemning the attack,President Karzai said,"The
enemies of Afghanistan, through such attacks in the run-up to
the elections, want to spread terror among people, but they
must know that Afghans are fully aware of the value of the
elections and will cast their votes for the sake of security
and peace in their country."

President Karzai offered his sympathies and condolences to
the families of the victims.

Released by the Office of the Spokesperson to the President
of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

End text

EIKENBERRY

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