At least 20 people were killed in a Taliban suicide bombing in Kabul at a police base on Monday, days before the reconciliation talks with the group were set to take place.
According to The Express Tribune, 29 people were wounded in the bombing at the entrance of the base, which left several bodies and charred debris strewn around the area.
The attack comes amid the Taliban's unprecedented winter offensive despite a renewed push to restart formal peace talks.
Deputy interior minister of Afghanistan Mohammad Ayoub Salangi said ten people were reportedly killed and 20 others injured in the boming in Deh Mazang square of Kabul city.
He alsos said that most of the victims were civilians.
Kabul police spokesperson Basir Mujahid reported a death toll of nine, adding that as many as 12 people including a woman were wounded.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with insurgent spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claiming on Twitter that up to 40 police were killed and wounded.