At least 19 people were killed and dozens injured in three explosions targeting a funeral in Kabul this morning.
The blasts rocked the funeral of Salim Ezadyar, one of four people killed during violent protests after a massive truck bomb attack this week. Ninety people were killed on Wednesday when a bin lorry packed with explosives was detonated in the city’s diplomatic quarter. It was the bloodiest attack in Kabul since 2001.
Witnesses said that people were “blown to pieces” on the hillside cemetery where the burial was due to take place. “We don’t know what caused the explosions. Initial reports show 15 people have been killed and wounded,” interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said on Twitter shortly afterwards.
There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack. Mr Ezadyar was the son of an Afghan senator. His funeral was attended by senior Afghan government officials including Abdullah Abdullah, the country’s chief executive, who was unhurt.
Mr Ezadyar was killed during protests on Friday calling for President Ashraf Ghani to step down amid the deteriorating security situation. Hundreds of demonstrators were beaten back by police who also fired live rounds at the crowds.
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After the protest, roads in the city centre were sealed off by security forces and demonstrators were warned not to return to the streets. “We have intelligence reports that our enemies are trying again to carry out attacks on gatherings and demonstrations,” Gul Nabi Ahmadzai, the Kabul garrison commander, said today. “We hope that people will stay away from protests.”
A small crowd ignored the advice and gathered under a tent close to the presidential palace.
“Any government attempt to disrupt our fair and just demonstration will show their complicity with terrorist groups and the perpetrators of Wednesday’s attack,” Asif Ashna, a spokesman for the protesters, said. “It is the duty of the government to ensure security to the protesters... and the government will be held responsible for any violence.”
The death toll from this morning’s attack was rising. President Ghani condemned the bombings, saying on Twitter: “The country is under attack. We must stay united.”