Kabul shook by second bombing in a week with Eid al-Fitr just around the corner

Security concerns have risen across Afghanistan as country prepares to mark Eid al-Fitr on Sunday. (Photo: Reuters)

At least one person was killed Saturday in a bomb blast in a passenger van in Kabul. It was the second explosion in the Afghan capital in two days, as security fears grow on the eve of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr.

According to the Islamic State's telegram channel, the group claimed credit for the strike on Saturday.

"One woman was killed and three more injured," Reuters was told by Khalid Zadran, a spokesperson for Kabul's commander.

A day earlier, an explosion at a Kabul mosque killed over 50 people following Friday prayers, the latest in a string of mosque bombings during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Ali Maisam, 19, a witness to the passenger van explosion waiting outside a neighboring bakery, stated that he observed several bodies.

"I noticed individuals exiting the van with bloodied and burned faces... "I saw four bodies removed and a woman among the dead," he explained.

Security worries have increased across Afghanistan as the country prepares to celebrate Eid al-Fitr under Taliban authority for the first time in more than two decades, following the group's ouster following the 2001 US war.

After international soldiers withdrew from Afghanistan last August, the Taliban retook authority, and Afghanistan has subsequently seen an increase in Islamic State strikes.

Taliban authorities stated on Saturday that Eid would be celebrated the following day, prompting riotous rounds of celebratory gunfire late Saturday night in the streets of Kabul.

The authorities have also taken steps to allay public concerns about security ahead of Eid.

"We ensure our countrymen will ensure security during Eid," said Abdul Nafee Takor, the Afghan interior ministry spokesman.

Publish : 2022-05-01 14:02:00

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