Kabul: Suicide blast targeting Shia center, news office kills 40
What's the story
At least 40 people were killed and 30 injured in a suicide blast close to the offices of a Shia cultural center and the Afghan Voice news agency in Kabul. No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Taliban has denied involvement. The explosion occurred while students gathered at the Tebyan cultural center for a meeting.
Details
What we know about the attack?
"The target of the attack was the Tabayan cultural center. A ceremony was being held to mark the 38th anniversary of the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan when the explosion went off," said deputy interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi. Images posted on social media show that the Afghan Voice office was ripped apart by the blast. Women and children were among those killed in the attack.
Targets
Blast comes amid increased attacks on Afghan Shias, journalists
The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC) has swiftly condemned the attack "in the strongest terms possible." The blast is recent in a series of attacks targeting journalists, many perpetrated by ISIS. This year, 73 cases of attacks against journalists were recorded, a 35% increase over 2015. ISIS has also launched a number of attacks against Afghan Shias in recent months.
Breaking
The timeline is brewing!
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.