Afghanistan attacks claim more than 20 lives
On 20th June, 2016, Afghanistan witnessed 3 bombings, which resulted in the death of more than 20 people altogether. Majority of the victims were Nepalese citizens. The Taliban asserted responsibilty for 2 out of the 3 attacks. Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, in a message posted on twitter, wrote, "this attack is an act of terror & intimidation".
Afghanistan becomes the target of 3 bombings
A suicide bomber attacked a minibus in Kabul at 5.40 am. It was carrying security guards of the Canadian embassy in Kabul, killing 14 people. Less than 3 hours later, another bombing in eastern Kabul, injured a targetted politician and 4 others. Occuring on the busiest shopping day of the week in a market place, the third bombing killed 8 and wounded 30.
Taliban claims responsibilty
Zabihulla Mujahid, Taliban's main spokesman said, "By organising this attack, we wanted to show Americans and NATO military officials that we can conduct attacks wherever, and whenever, we want".
ISIS v/s Taliban?
The Islamic State, in its claim released on Twitter and Telegram, named the bomber as Irfanullah Ahmed. These claims were "rubbished" by Zabihullah Mujahid. Defying IS in a phone call with the AFP agency, Mujahid said, "They neither have the capability to carry out attacks in Kabul, and nor are they supported by people. Today's attack was carried out by one of our Mujahideen."
Afghanistan attacks claim more than 20 lives
On 20th June, 2016, Afghanistan witnessed 3 bombings, which resulted in the death of more than 20 people altogether. Majority of the victims were Nepalese citizens. The Taliban asserted responsibilty for 2 out of the 3 attacks. Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, in a message posted on twitter, wrote, "this attack is an act of terror & intimidation".
2 Indians killed
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup in New Delhi confirmed the identities of two Indians - Ganesh Thapa and Govind Singh - amongst the dead in the Kabul bomb blast. They worked as gaurds in the Canadian Embassy.
Reactions to the attacks
Condemning the attacks, Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion in a statement said, "Many of the victims have been part of our embassy family for years". "I pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the incident," Nepalese Prime Minister, K.P Sharma Oli tweeted. Strongly condemning the "horrible tragedy", PM Modi offered "deep condolences" to the Governments and people of Afghanistan and Nepal.
Another blast ripples through Kabul; 50 dead
At least 50 casualties were reported as a suicide bomber hit a big protest group in Kabul. The protesters- members of Afghanistan's Hazara minority were demonstrating to demand power-lines to pass through electricity-starved Bamiyan province. The authorities had overnight blocked intersections to block protesters from marching to the Presidential palace which slowed the ambulances. No group has taken the responsibility for the attack.
