Politics
17:35, 16-Nov-2017
At least 10 killed in explosion near political gathering in Kabul
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At least 10 people were killed and nine others wounded after an explosion ripped through a banqueting hall in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, police and witnesses said.
"A terrorist wearing an explosive-packed jacket tried to enter Qasr-e-Naween Hall at midday in Khair Khana Mina locality shortly before a political gathering ended," police spokesman Basir Mujahid told reporters near the site.
He said that police intercepted the attacker after identifying him but the assailant detonated his explosive.
"The bomber struck into the front gate of the building. The victims included seven police officers and two civilians in addition to the bomber. And among the injured people were seven policemen and two civilians," he said.
The meeting was held by supporters of Atta Mohammad Noor, governor of northern Balkh province, and a senior member of Jamiat-e-Islami of Afghanistan, a major political party, witness Ahmad Farshad told Xinhua via phone.
Several high-ranking officials, senior members of Jamiat and members of the country's parliament were among the attendees of the meeting to honor Noor, he said.
Security forces have cordoned off the area.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
"A suicide bomber from Islamic State detonated his explosive vest at a gathering of members of the 'Gameaya Islamiya' in the middle of Kabul city," said Amaq, the news agency linked to the militant group.
4185km
Source(s): Reuters
,Xinhua News Agency