Afghanistan: 20 killed in explosion at gathering of security forces and Taliban in Nangarhar
They were celebrating an unprecedented ceasefire between their sides.
At least 20 people were killed in an explosion at a gathering of Afghan security forces, civilians and Taliban in the eastern Nangarhar province at 5.30 pm local time (6.30 pm India time) on Saturday, AFP reported. At least 16 people were wounded in the attack in the province’s Rodat district, said Attaullah Khogyani, the provincial governor spokesperson.
The group was celebrating an unprecedented ceasefire between the security forces and the militants. On Friday, the security forces and the militants celebrated Eid together with greetings, handshakes, hugs and selfies.
The explosives were purportedly planted in a vehicle belonging to the militants, ToloNews reported, while AFP reported that a suicide bomber blew himself up.
Both the Taliban and the Afghan government have announced a ceasefire to allow their fighters to celebrate Eid. While the militant group’s ceasefire ends on Monday, the government’s will last until Wednesday.