The death toll in the explosion near Kabul University on Friday morning climbed to eight, Wahidullah Mayar, a spokesman for Ministry of Public Health said, adding that 33 others were wounded in the explosion.

The blast took place near the southern entrance of Kabul University when a group of students were gathered for an examination, according to Tolo News.

While Mehr stated that eight people were injured in the bombing, Health Ministry spokesperson Wahidullah Mayar placed the number as high as 16. 

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet, while the local authority has opened an investigation.

The heavily militarized Afghan capital remains one of the highest-profile targets for both the Taliban and ISIL, with both regularly launching devastating attacks that often kill and maim civilians. 

(With input from AFP)

(Cover: An Afghan policeman keeps watch at the site of a blast near Kabul University in Kabul, Afghanistan, on July 19, 2019. /Reuters Photo)