Officials from the Taliban government reported that a man attempting to carry out an attack inside a ministry compound was shot and killed by security guards before he could reach his intended target. The incident resulted in an explosion.

A powerful explosion occurred at the compound of Afghanistan's Urban Development and Housing Ministry on Thursday, resulting in the death of at least one person and injuries to three others, according to officials from the Taliban government.

A spokesperson for the ministry informed the Associated Press (AP) news agency that an individual had attempted to carry out an attack within the compound. However, before he could reach his intended target, security guards shot and killed him.

Abdul Mateen Qani, the spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, provided further details to the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency, stating that the attacker appeared to be a suicide bomber attempting to enter the ministry. He explained that one of the mujahideen (security forces) shot the attacker, which led to an explosion. As a result, another person in close proximity to the attacker was killed, and three others sustained injuries.

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the incident took place just two days after the so-called "Islamic State" (IS) group claimed responsibility for a bombing outside a bank in northeastern Afghanistan, which killed at least five people.

Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the Islamic State has carried out frequent attacks across Afghanistan as part of its ongoing efforts to challenge the Taliban's rule.