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AFGHANISTAN-CONFLICT
Dozens wounded as series of blasts rock eastern Afghan city
JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Aug 19, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Afghanistan’s
independence day was marred by bloodshed Monday when a series of explosions
shook the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, wounding dozens of people
including children.
As many as 10 blasts were reported in and around the city in Nangarhar
province, authorities said, and casualty numbers appeared to be rising.
“The explosions were caused by IEDs in different parts of the city and as
groups of people were celebrating independence day,” Nangarhar governor’s
spokesman Attaullah Khogyani said, referring to improvised explosive devices.
Jalalabad is the scene of frequent bomb attacks, and the surrounding
terrain is home to both Taliban fighters and the Islamic State group’s local
affiliate.
At least 19 people were wounded, Khogyani said. Zaher Adel, a spokesman
for a local hospital, said about 40 wounded people had been brought in with
more expected.
An AFP correspondent saw children among the victims.
This year’s August 19 celebrations mark 100 years of Afghan independence
from British influence.
The day was supposed to be one of national pride and unity, but was
overshadowed by an IS suicide attack on a crowded Kabul wedding hall that
killed at least 63 people.
In Kabul, locals took to the streets to wave the black-red-and-green
Afghan flag, but several public events to commemorate the date were scrapped
over fears of a fresh attack.
“We postponed the celebrations to honour the victims, but we will
definitely take revenge for our people,” Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said.
“We will avenge the blood of our people, every drop of it.”
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1615 hrs