At least 26 dead as blast hits meeting of Taliban & Afghan forces during landmark ceasefire

Published time: 16 Jun, 2018 13:19
Edited time: 16 Jun, 2018 16:39

At least 26 people were killed as an explosion rocked a meeting of Taliban and Afghan security forces during an unprecedented ceasefire for the Eid holiday. Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) has claimed responsibility.

Casualties include Taliban members, Afghan security forces, and civilians, Attaullah Khogyani, spokesman for the provincial governor of Nangarhar, said.

IS has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, according to the group's Amaq news agency, which confirmed that it targeted "a gathering of Afghan forces."

Earlier, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that "the incident has nothing to do with the Taliban," adding that "our members suffered casualties."

The timing of the bombing in the eastern city of Nangarhar appears to be significant. On Saturday, Taliban members entered the Afghan capital, Kabul urging people to come forward and take selfies with them. The unusual move reportedly occurred elsewhere in the country, as photos and videos on social media showed Taliban fighters giving hugs to locals and Afghan forces across several provinces.

https://www.rt.com/news/429958-blast-afghanistan-authorities-taliba...