80 killed in Kabul blast

Kabul, July 23: At least 80 people were killed and 207 injured when

suspected Islamic State suicide bombers targeted a mass demonstration in

the Afghan capital on Saturday. IS fighters detoted explosive belts

amidst a “gathering of Shi’ites” in Deh Mazang, said the group’s Amaq

News Agency.

The incident took place as thousands of demonstrators gathered for a

sit–in protest against the route of a planned power line project.

The Taliban militant group has denied any hand in the deadly attack.

Taliban group spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the group has no link

with the explosions in Kabul city, calling it a move to create divisions

among the people, said Khaama.com.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) officials confirmed that 61 persons had died and said at least 207 have sustained injuries.

According to Tolo News, police said one suicide bomber detoted his

explosives while the second person failed to explode his suicide vest.

The third bomber was killed by security forces at the scene before he

could detote his vest.

Photographs and video footage taken by witnesses immediately after the blasts painted a horrific scene.

With smoke still rising, hundreds of people, many covered in blood,

were filmed running from the scene. Extensive damage was also caused to

nearby buildings, said Tolo News.

President Ashraf Ghani has condemned the attack.

The demonstrators had gathered in a protest organised by the

Enlightening Movement over the planned route of the 500kV power line

project that the Afghanistan government intends to roll out.

The project will see a new power line run from Turkmenistan through

Salang to Kabul. The Enlightenment Movement wants the line to be routed

through Bamiyan to Kabul, Tolo News reported.

Amnesty Intertiol has condemned the attack. (IANS)