Conflicts & War

UN: 19 Killed in blast at cricket match in Afghanistan

United Nations, Jul 29 (EFE).- Nineteen people were killed Friday in an explosion in the stands during a professional cricket match in the Afghan capital, the United Nations said.

The information was provided by Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack today at the Kabul International Cricket Stadium in Afghanistan, which claimed the lives of at least 19 civilians and caused additional casualties,” Haq said.

Media accounts said that the blast, variously ascribed to a grenade or the explosive vest of a suicide-bomber, occurred during a Shpageeza Premier League T20 match between Band-e-Amir Dragons and Pamir.

Guterres “extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured. He reiterates that attacks against civilians and civilian objects are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law,” Haq said.

Cricket is very popular in Afghanistan and sporting events are often held on Friday, the Muslim holy day.

Previous news reports about the explosion said that four spectators were wounded.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but most of the terror strikes carried out in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized control of the country last August have been the work of the Afghan branch of Islamic State. EFE fjo/dr

Related Articles

Back to top button