At least 50 killed in suicide attack on Kabul religious gathering
Kabul, Nov 20: At least 50 people were killed in a suicide attack on a religious celebration in Kabul on Tuesday, officials said, in one of the deadliest assaults to strike Afghanistan this year.
It follows a wave of bloody violence across the war-torn country in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people as militants step up assaults amid a flurry of diplomatic efforts to end the 17-year conflict.
At least 72 people were wounded in the blast, health ministry spokesman Wahid Majroh said, which targeted religious scholars and leaders inside a wedding hall where hundreds had gathered to mark the Prophet Mohammad's birthday -- one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar.
Religious studies lecturer Mohammad Hanif said verses of the Koran were being recited when there was a deafening explosion followed by "chaos" inside the packed hall.
"More than 60 or 70 people were martyred," Hanif, 31, told AFP outside a trauma facility run by Italian NGO Emergency. He escaped unhurt.
"They suffered burns, everyone in the halls was screaming for help."
PTI
HELP IS JUST ONE CALL AWAY
Complete Anonymity, Professional Counselling Services
iCALL Mental Helpline Number: 9152987821
Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm