Blast rocks Afghanistan President's running mate's office in Kabul, 13 injured

At least one person was killed and 13 ors wounded in an attack Sunday targeting Kabul office of running mate of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, officials said.

violence came on same day as Afghanistan marked official start of campaign season for upcoming presidential elections, serving as a grim reminder of sort of mayhem and bloodshed that have marred previous polls.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said attack began with a blast in rth Kabul near office for Green Trend, a youth- and reform-focused civil society organisation that Amrullah Saleh hes.

"At around 4:40 pm (1210 GMT), first a blast occurred near Green Trend office... n a number of attackers entered that office," Rahimi said ding that two hours later, attack was still ongoing.

" security forces have cordoned off area. security forces are trying to kill attackers as soon as possible," he continued.

Amid Peace Talks, Afghanistan To Release Close To 200 Taliban Prisoners From Pul-e-Charkhi

group immediately claimed responsibility for attack. Rahimi said Saleh, who has previously served as he of country's intelligence ncy, was t wounded.

"It is a direct attack on office of Green Trend,"  said Ejaz Malikza, a witness to AFP. "I have heard three explosions so far, and gunfire is also continuing." Ims on social media showed a large plume of smoke rising above city.

Health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar said at least one person h been killed and 13 wounded so far. Initial reports said attack h been near a wedding hall that earlier hosted a campaign rally for Afghanistan's chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, one of leing candidates running against Ghani on September 28.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani Claims That His ministration Was Among First To Offer 'unconditional Peace Talks To Taliban'

Earlier in day, in yet ar twist to US-Afghan-Taliban negotiations, Afganistan President Ashraf Ghani, on Sunday tweeted that his government was first to offer unconditional peace talks to Taliban ding that he got rid of obstacles put in place by previous governments.

(For first time, I anunced unconditional offer of peace talks to Taliban. For unprecedented reason, I said that previous government h imposed 11 conditions for negotiating with Taliban, which was main obstacle to start of peace process. But I got rid of se obstacles).

(With AFP inputs via PTI)