BOMB NEAR EMBASSY KABUL KILLS SEVEN AFGHANS

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