Dozens injured as series of blasts rock eastern Afghan city

Jalalabad, August 19

Afghanistan’s Independence Day was marred by bloodshed on Monday when a series of explosions shook the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, injuring 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 injured, Khogyani said. Zaher Adel, a spokesman for a local hospital, said about 40 injured 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.” — AFP