Russia says suicide blast kills in Afghan capital two embassy staff

The attacker was shot dead by armed guards as he approached the gate • Number of casualties unclear

 A municipal worker walks in front of the Russian Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, January 21, 2016. Picture taken January 21, 2016.  (photo credit: AFGHANISTSAN LM REUTERS/MOHAMMAD ISMAIL)
A municipal worker walks in front of the Russian Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, January 21, 2016. Picture taken January 21, 2016.
(photo credit: AFGHANISTSAN LM REUTERS/MOHAMMAD ISMAIL)

A suicide bomber detonated explosives near the entrance of the Russian Embassy in Kabul, injuring one Russian diplomat and an embassy security guard, police said on Monday, adding the attacker was shot dead by armed guards as he approached the gate.

"The suicide attacker before reaching the target, was recognized and shot by Russian embassy (Taliban) guards... there is no information about casualties yet," Mawlawi Sabir, the head of the police district where the attack took place, told Reuters.

"The suicide attacker before reaching the target, was recognized and shot by Russian embassy (Taliban) guards... there is no information about casualties yet."

Police district head Mawlawi Sabi

Russia is one of the few countries to have maintained an embassy in Kabul after the Taliban took over the country more than a year ago. Although Moscow does not official recognize the Taliban's government, they have been in talks with officials over an agreement supply gasoline and other commodities.