A rocket launched into a busy civilian area of Kabul killed at least five people Saturday, while a truck packed with explosives detonated moments later in Afghanistan's capital, officials said.
A rocket, believed to be remote launched, landed in a crowd of civilians near Kabul's police headquarters, Najib Nekzad, a press officer for the Ministry of Interior, said.
Along with the deaths, five others were wounded in the attack, including two police officers.
The rocket launcher and rockets were hidden under a pile of hay as they were smuggled into Kabul, Nekzad said.
Moments later, a truck packed with five 107 mm rockets rigged to explode detonated in the city around 8:20 a.m.
Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, a Defense Ministry spokesman, said two of the rockets detonated, but three did not.
Officials originally thought the attack was the work of a suicide bomber, but an attacker's body was not found. The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the violence.
Afghanistan has experienced a record number of suicide attacks this year. The Associated Press reports militants have launched more than 133 suicide attacks in 2007.
Officials said three separate explosions could be heard during Saturday's attack.
Nekzad reported the first explosion was likely the rocket that was fired toward the Kabul police station.
The second explosion is believed to have gone off near the truck. Officials speculate the explosion was an attempt to lure police toward the vehicle.
The third and largest explosion was the sound of the vehicle exploding, Nekzad said.
Afghan police officer Mohammad Amin said the truck was loaded with a number of bags and a rocket launcher before it exploded. He said the attack did not appear to be the work of a suicide bomber.
The attack appeared to be the first where militants used rockets at close range.
Afghanistan has experienced one of its deadliest years since the U.S.-led invasion overthrew the Taliban in 2001.
More than 6,200 people have been killed in insurgent attacks according to an AP tally of figures obtained from Western and Afghan officials.
With files from The Associated Press
