KABUL: A suicide bomber struck near the Russian embassy in Kabul, on Monday, killing two staff members from the diplomatic mission, along with four others.

In the first attack targeting a foreign mission since the Taliban seized power in Augustlast year, the bomber struck near the entrance of the embassy`s consular section. `Without any doubt, we are talking about a terrorist act, which is absolutely unacceptable,` Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists in Moscow.

Afghanistan`s foreign ministry confirmed the deaths of two embassy staf f. The ministry said an investigation had been launched and authorities `will not allow the enemies to sabotage relations between both countries with such negative actions`.

Four Afghans waiting for consular services were also killed and several more wounded, Kabul police said.

Violence in Afghanistan has largely declined since the Taliban returned to power, but several bomb blasts some targeting minority communities have rocked the country in recent months, many claimed by the militant Islamic State (IS) group.

As with other recent attacks, heavy Taliban security quickly sealed off the area and prevented media from filming nearby. No group has so far claimed the attack on the diplomatic mission.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said immediate steps were taken to boost security at the embassy, located on one of Kabul`s main roads.

FO condemns attack Pakistan strongly condemned the dastardly suicide attack.

`An attack on a Diplomatic Mission is a cause for serious concern and is denounced in the strongest possible terms. The Government and the people of Pakistan extend deepest sympathies to the Government of the Russian Federation,` a Foreign Of fice statement issued in Islamabad said.

`We also offer condolences to all the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the early recovery of the injured,` it added.-Agencies