Multiple explosions in eastern Afghanistan kill at least 16 people
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*JALALABAD: At least 16 persons were killed in multiple explosions took place in eastern Afghanistan’s Jalalabad on Wednesday, officials said, as attackers appeared to target a private construction company near the city’s airport.*
The attack began when two suicide bombers set off their explosives outside the company office and gunmen then opened fire, said Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar province.
As well as the 16 dead at the company, including several of its guards, five attackers were killed – the two bombers and three gunmen, he said.
“Armed suicide bombers attacked and managed to enter the building of a private construction company early this morning,” said Nangarhar Provincial council member Zabihullah Zmarai.
“A number of civilian workers of the company have been killed,” he added.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The bombings come as US and Taliban negotiations continue to hold ongoing peace talks in Qatar aimed at ending the nearly 18-year conflict.
Despite a two-day break before the weekend, negotiations continue on “a daily basis right now and progress is being made”, US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told journalists Tuesday.