2 killed, 28 wounded in explosion in eastern Afghanistan

Kabul, June 20 (EFE).- Two people died and 28 others were wounded, including five members of the Taliban security forces, in an explosion in the eastern province of Nangarhar in Afghanistan on Monday, officials said.

The incident occurred in the province’s Ghanikhil district in Shirgar area, and looked to target a vehicle of district officials, according Nangarhar police spokesperson Hafiz Abdul Basir Zabuli.

“Today a blast occurred in Shirgar market of Ghani Khil district which left 2 dead and 28 others including 5 members of Mujahideen (Taliban security forces) wounded,” the police spokesperson told EFE.

He added that the wounded persons taken to a hospital, and an investigation was underway into the explosion.

No armed group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, even as the Islamic State group is usually behind such attacks in the war-torn country.

The global terror network has emerged as the main threat to Afghan stability since the Taliban returned to power on Aug.15 last year.

Since the Taliban returned to power, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks, especially against the Shia Hazara minority, considered apostates by the Islamist extremists.

The Taliban had vowed security and an end to terror activities originating from the Afghan soil after the Islamist militia seized power in Kabul.

However, violence has spiked in the last year. The deadliest attack was on the Kabul airport on Aug 26 last year, claiming 170 lives. EFE

lk-hbc/sc