Afghanistan: Second explosion near Kabul airport, even as attack on Indian

On New Year's Day, another vehicle bomb hit an upscale French restaurant popular with Afghan elites and foreigners, killing a child and a security guard.

Police say they spotted the bomber as his auto approached a checkpoint, prompting him to detonate his explosives.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the Kabul attack or the Balkh siege but the Taliban have stepped up their attacks against Afghan security forces across the country.

- After a fierce gunbattle, Afghan troops moved in on Monday to clear gunmen holed up in a building next to the Indian Consulate in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif, officials said. There were no immediate details of damage or casualties.

Danish said the target was a foreign forces convoy passing through the area but a police spokesman said he was not aware of that.

The attacks have coincided with renewed efforts to restart stalled peace talks with the Taliban. Back to back terrorist attacks reported in Afghanistan.

Earlier today, a suicide bomber struck a street leading to the city's global airport, near where the second blast took place, but no casualties were reported.

Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to hold a first round of dialogue between Afghanistan, Pakistan, the U.S. and China on January 11 to lay out a comprehensive roadmap for peace.

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