Deadly Suicide Bombing Rocks Kandahar
In a devastating blow to the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, a suicide bombing has claimed the lives of at least 21 people, according to a doctor at the regional hospital who spoke to the BBC.
The Taliban government, however, has provided a conflicting report, stating that the death toll stands at three. Police have confirmed several others sustained injuries in the attack.
At approximately 08:00 local time (03:30 GMT), chaos erupted in the city center as the suicide bomber targeted a bank, as reported by the Taliban.
As of now, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, which marks one of the deadliest incidents in Afghanistan this year.
The explosion occurred at a branch where government employees were lining up to receive their salaries, resulting in a tragic loss of life and leaving around 50 individuals wounded.
Victims have been rushed to Mirwais hospital, the largest medical facility in the region, as stated by an anonymous doctor from the hospital.
Notably, Kandahar serves as the stronghold of the Taliban, housing their supreme commander and serving as a significant power center for the group.
Despite overall improvements in security following the complete withdrawal of foreign troops in 2021, Afghanistan continues to face numerous bombings and suicide attacks on a regular basis.
Many of these incidents target the Hazara ethnic minority and are often attributed to Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the regional branch of the notorious Islamic State group, a key rival of the Taliban. — BBC
