At least 50 people have been killed and 83 others wounded in an explosion inside a very large wedding hall on the airport road in Kabul city center.
The explosion happened at about 6.15pm local time during a large gathering of people who were marking Prophet Mohammad’s birthday, officials said.
The blast happened at the Uranus Wedding Hall, in the city, according to ministry of public health.
However, the Ministry of interior (MoI) said over 50 people were killed and wounded in the attack.
MoI spokesman Najib Danish told TOLOnews that the blast was reportedly a suicide bombing.
One eyewitness, who was interviewed outside Kabul’s Emergency Hospital, said many people were wounded.
“There were a lot of wounded people, I saw at least ten wounded people brought here,” the eye witness said.
An hour after the explosions ambulances were still heard rushing to-and-from the scene of the explosion to hospitals in the city center.
The presidential palace immediately condemned the bombing and said it was a criminal act.
“President Ghani strongly condemns this criminal and Un-Islamic act and said that the terrorist attack on Milad un Nabi ceremony which conveys the message of peace and blessing is an enmity with the Islamic principles and way of life of the prophet (peace be upon him),” presidential palace (ARG) said in a statement.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has also deplored the attack.
UNAMA says it is outraged by Kabul bombing when communities across Afghanistan are marking a day of special religious significance.
“UNAMA outraged by #Kabul bombing when communities across #Afghanistan are marking day of special religious significance. Credible reports of heavy civilian casualties. UN human rights teams establishing facts. UN family extends deepest condolences to the many families affected,” UNAMA tweeted.
The Indian embassy in Kabul also condemned the attack.
“We condemn in the strongest possible words the henious and cowardly terrorist attack in#Kabul today which resulted in the death and injury of scores of innocent Afghans. Perpetrators of these attacks and their supporters must be held accountable by the international community,” Indian embassy tweeted.
US ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass also condemned the attack on the religious gathering in Kabul
“Sickened and deeply saddened by tonight’s terror attack as the Ulema Council marked the Prophet’s Birthday. I extend our condolences to the families and followers of those killed and wounded,” Bass tweeted.
The High Peace Council also condemning the attack said Afghan people will work for peace and stability despite all the challenges they may face in this way.
The council said the enemies conspiracies cannot stop peace and stability in the country.
