Dozens killed in Kabul suicide attack

BBC
BBC
Soldiers on guard after the Kabul suicide attack

At least 40 people have been killed and 30 wounded in a suicide attack in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

A Shia cultural organisation and offices of the Afghan Voice news agency were hit. So-called Islamic State said it was behind the attack.

The interior ministry said a suicide blast was followed by another two explosions.

IS has been behind a number of attacks on Shia targets across the country in recent months.

Both the Tabayan cultural centre and offices of Afghan Voice were at the location of the attack.

Students were among those who had gathered at the centre for a discussion forum.

The interior ministry said the event was to mark the 38th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

The initial explosion was followed by two others that appeared to target those trying to help victims. Images on social media showed a number of bodies in a courtyard following the blast.

Student Mohammad Hasan Rezayee told Tolo News: “After the blast there was fire and smoke inside the building and everyone was pleading for help.”

Sayed Abbas Hussaini, a journalist at Afghan Voice, told Reuters that one reporter at the agency had been killed and two wounded.
Local hospitals are treating the dozens of people wounded, and there are fears the death toll could rise.

The Islamic State group said on its propaganda outlet Amaq that it had targeted the Shia centre with a suicide bomber and other bombs.

The Taliban had earlier issued a statement saying they were not involved.

The Taliban are not known to specifically target Shias, although both militant groups have carried out frequent attacks across the country.

Share This Article