In an explosion in Afghan capital of Kabul, many people have been killed. The attack was directed against Shiite Muslims who had come toger for Persian New Year's festival Newroz, reports Ministry of Interior. There have been at least 26 deaths and 18 injured, said deputy spokesman of Ministry of Interior, Nasrat Rahimi. Previously, Ministry of Environment had spoken of eight dead and 20 injured in an explosion in kart-e Tschar near University of Kabul.

One of city's police officers said assassin blew himself up in neighborhood of kart-E. In district in west of Kabul lies Blue shrine, a Shiite mosque. The assassin wanted to approach mosque at beginning of New Year's celebrations, but was not approached because of strict guarding. Instead, he detonated his bomb in front of Aliabad hospital, says Home Office.

The terrorist militia "Islamic State" has claimed attack. The IS news agency Amak reported that "a self-suicide with an explosive vest" hit a "collection of Shiites during ir New Year's celebration in Kabul." The Shiites in Afghanistan have repeatedly been target of attacks by an offshoot of IS.

Kabul repeatedly targets heavy attacks

Islamists hold New Year's Feast of Newroz for Pagan. Newroz is celebrated worldwide at beginning of calendar of Spring, March 21st. In Afghanistan it is a popular family celebration. In addition to family visits, it is celebrated in public. People come toger in places in front of mosques in order to pray toger and to have a chat.

Recently, re have been heavy attacks in Kabul, to which IS and Taliban are known. In February, at least 23 people were killed in a series of attacks in Kabul and provinces of Farah and Helmand. Among m was a suicide bombing near NATO headquarters, which complained terrorist militia "Islamic State".

Date Of Update: 22 March 2018, 12:03