Attacks in Afghanistan

The Islamist group the Taliban attacked a government building in Kabul, Afghanistan, on July 1 with bombs and gunfire, killing at least 40 people and injuring more than 100. All five attackers were killed in the ensuing 7-hour standoff. The attack occurred in the middle of the day, during rush hour, while children were in nearby schools. At least some of the dead were children, and another 51 students were injured.

The attack occurred the day after peace negotiations between the US and the Taliban had begun in Qatar. Those negotiations continued despite the attack.

On July 18, a car bomb was detonated outside of Kabul University, killing eight people and wounding 33. A Taliban spokesperson said he was unaware of any Taliban involvement in that bombing.

On July 31, a bus carrying civilians was hit by a roadside bomb in Farah Province, western Afghanistan, near the border with Iran. At least 35 people were killed and 27, wounded. A Taliban spokesperson said that the Taliban were not involved in the attack.