One person was killed and at least 15 others injured when a car bomb attack targeted popular French restaurant Le Jardin in Kabul on New Year’s Day, according to reports. Al Jazeera reported that the restaurant is frequently visited by foreigners. Witnesses heard a loud explosion in the area in the Afghan capital where foreign embassies and government buildings are located. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

The blast occurred just days after Pakistan's army chief General Raheel Sharif visited Kabul ahead of fresh peace talks with the resurgent Taliban, reported AFP. Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China are due to meet on January 11 to lay out a comprehensive roadmap for peace, officials said. Afghanistan sees the support of Pakistan as vital to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.