BEIRUT: The militant Daesh group has claimed responsibility for a gunassault on a political rally in the Afghan capital on Friday that killed 29people and wounded 61.
“Two brothers… targeted a gathering of apostates… in Kabul city withmachine guns, hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades,” it said in astatement via the Telegram messaging app.
The incident occurred earlier in the day as a political rally led byAfghanistan leader Abdullah Abdullah was by attacked gunmen.
The Taliban immediately denied responsibility for the assault, whichoccurred at the commemoration ceremony for Abdul Ali Mazari — a politicianfrom the Hazara ethnic group.
Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said gunfire had erupted from aconstruction site near the ceremony in the city’s west.
The ceremony was attended by many of the country’s political elite,including Abdullah Abdullah. The interior ministry later confirmed toreporters that “all the high-ranking officials were safely evacuated fromthe scene”.
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The incident comes less than a week after the US and Taliban signed a dealthat would pave the way for the complete withdrawal of foreign troops in 14months.
However, fighting has continued to rage across the country, casting a pallover hopes that the agreement would lead to a reduction in violence.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had immediately condemnedlinktheattack, saying the move was made by those who are against the establishmentof peace in Afghanistan and seek to use the country for their own gain.-APP/AFP
