At least 7 dead in explosion inside Afghan 'Green Zone'

Oct. 31 (UPI) -- At least seven people died Tuesday when a motorcyclist passing through Afghanistan's "Green Zone" detonated explosives, authorities said.

The suicide bomber first passed through a checkpoint and was detained at a second. At that point, he got off the motorcycle and set off the blast, officials said.

Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Dawlat Waziri said the explosion occurred near the U.S. embassy and the Afghan defense ministry. Several other embassies and headquarters of international organizations and government offices were located in the 4-square-mile, heavily fortified demilitarized "Green Zone."

At least 21 people were injured, hospital officials said.

The attack occurred in the late afternoon, when many office workers were leaving the area. It was the first "Green Zone" attack since May 31, when a truck bomb exploded there and killed dozens.

There was no immediate announcement of responsibility.