At least 40 dead in a suicide attack at a Shia cultural centre in Kabul
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack against a conference marking the 38th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of the country. The first explosion was followed by others.
Kabul (AsiaNews/Agencies) – At least 40 people have been killed and scores wounded in a suicide attack against the Tabayan (Teyban)) cultural centre in Kabul’s Sokhtia area.
The dead include many women and children as well as journalists. The final death toll is expected to rise.
Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said that a suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowded hall where a ceremony was underway marking the 38th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Rahimi said there were two smaller explosions outside the building as people gathered to help those injured by the first blast. No one was killed in this case.
According to official sources, the bomber did not act alone – the operation was the work of at least two or three terrorists.
The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the attack on its Amaq information outlet. Earlier, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued statement on Twitter denying involvement.
This is not the first time that IS targets Shias in Afghanistan. At least 39 people were killed in an attack on a Shia mosque in October.
Overall, deadly terrorist attacks by the Taliban and IS have killed 1,662 civilians in Afghanistan in the first half of this year.
Last month, the International Criminal Court announced the start of war crimes investigations in the country.
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