At least 27 people were killed and around 40 were wounded when two Taliban suicide bombers detonated their explosives in buses carrying police cadets on the western outskirts of Kabul, officials in the Ministry of Interior said.

Earlier media reports said that at least 40 people were killed in the attack.

The convoy transported newly graduated police officers from Wardak to Kabul, according to security officials.

The officials did not provide more details about the incident but said that twin explosions occurred in the area.

Mir Hatam, intelligence officer at the district police headquarter, said the police officers were travelling from Maidan Wardak to Kabul when they came under attack.

He added the bombs were planted in police vehicles. However, the Ministry of Interior source insisted the nature of the attack was not yet known.

Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

The deadly attack comes around two and half months after a deadly strike on the Kabul city which left at least 64 people dead and 347 others wounded.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the “mindless attack”.

“Anguished by the attack near Kabul. I condemn this mindless violence. My thoughts & prayers with the bereaved families & the injured,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Pakistan “strongly” condemned that attack and extended its “heartfelt condolences” to the Afghan government.

“Pakistan extends heartfelt condolences to the brotherly government and people of Afghanistan over the loss of innocent lives. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families and we wish speedy recovery for the injured,” a Pakistan Foreign Office statement said.

The NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan strongly condemned back to back explosions in the capital.

“RS strongly condemns the suicide attack in Kabul today. The Taliban continue to display a total disregard for human life,” a statement by the Resolute Support said.

The statement added, “RS expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wounded in today’s attack.”