Massive suicide car bomb rocks Indian embassy in Kabul killing 41 people and injuring 139

The Afghan authorities said the attack, which left 139 wounded, was carried out with the cooperation of foreign agents.

This is likely to be a reference to Pakistan's secret service. Pakistan denied the allegation.

The bomber attacked the embassy just as two diplomatic vehicles were entering, destroying the vehicles, the embassy gates and buildings inside.

Bloody massacre: Afghan security force and medical personnel assist survivors as they arrive at the scene of a suicide bombing

Rescue effort: Afghan and Indian officials attempt to take a body from an Indian embassy car at the site of a suicide attack

'I saw wounded and dead everywhere on the road,' said a witness.

India's military and press attaches and two guards were killed.

Many casualties were among those queuing for visas and shoppers at a nearby market.

The blast is the deadliest in Kabul since the Taliban were ousted from power in 2001.

The Taliban denied responsibility  -  though it usually disowns attacks that kill many civilians.

Battered: An Indian embassy guard stands inside of the Indian Embassy entrance gate after the attack

Analysts say Pakistan is secretly backing the militants because it is loath to see the emergence of a strong Afghanistan that is friendly to its old rival India.

In Iraq, a woman blew herself up to kill nine in the northern city of Baquba.

Al Qaeda has begun to use women bombers because cultural taboos prevent security men searching them at checkpoints.