At least four gunmen <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabuls-intercontinental-hotel-under-attack-by-at-least-four-gunmen-30184">attacked Kabul&#39;s landmark Intercontinental Hotel</a> in a night-time raid on Saturday and started shooting at guests and staff, officials said, in an hours-long assault that is still ongoing.

Afghan media is reporting multiple casualties in the attack.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attack in the Afghan capital that followed a series of security warnings in recent days to avoid hotels and other locations frequented by foreigners.

"Four attackers are inside the building," an official at the National Directorate of Security (NDS) spy agency said.

They are "shooting at guests", he said.

A guest hiding in a room said he could hear gunfire inside the 1960s hilltop hotel where dozens of people attending an information technology conference on Sunday were staying.

"I don&#39;t know if the attackers are inside the hotel but I can hear gunfire from somewhere near the first floor," the man, who did not want to be named, said by telephone.

"We are hiding in our rooms. I beg the security forces to rescue us as soon as possible before they reach and kill us."

An official said the attackers were armed with small weapons and rocket-propelled grenades when they blasted their way into the hotel, which often hosts weddings, conferences and political gatherings.

"Seven wounded people have been taken to hospital," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said, adding that two attackers have been killed.

"Some other guests have been rescued. We will be able to release casualty figures once the operation ends."

Rahimi said the first and second floors of the hotel have been secured by security forces, who are now trying to clear the fourth and fifth floors.

Special forces were being lowered by helicopters onto the rooftop of the hotel, he added.

The fourth floor of the hotel, which boasts several restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool, had been set on fire during the raid, the NDS official said.

"The operation will soon end and the attackers will be killed," interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said.

Security questioned

Authorities are already investigating how the attackers got past security which was taken over by a private company two weeks ago, Danish said.

"They probably used a back door in the kitchen to enter," he said.

Abdullah Sabet, an official at the communications and information technology ministry, said IT officials from around the country were staying at the hotel ahead of a conference on Sunday.

"There were 40 of them in the hotel. We don&#39;t know if any of them have been killed or wounded," Sabet said.

Security at the Intercontinental, which is not part of the global InterContinental chain, is relatively lax compared with other high-end hotels in Kabul.

A conference on Afghanistan-China relations was held in one of its function rooms earlier Saturday, attended by the Chinese embassy&#39;s political counsellor Zhang Zhixin.

An AFP reporter who attended the conference passed through two vehicle security checkpoints. At the entrance to the building there was a physical inspection that could be easily evaded by scaling a low-level barrier and entering the lobby. &nbsp;

Security alerts sent in recent days to foreigners living in Kabul warned that "extremist groups may be planning an attack against hotels in Kabul" as well as public gatherings and other locations "where foreigners are known to congregate".

The Intercontinental was last targeted in June 2011 when a suicide attack claimed by the Taliban killed 21 people, including 10 civilians.

Security in Kabul has been tightened since May 31 when a massive truck bomb ripped through the diplomatic quarter, killing some 150 people and wounding around 400 others - mostly civilians. No group has yet claimed that attack.

The Islamic State group has claimed most of the recent attacks in the Afghan capital, but authorities suspect that the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network has been involved in some of them.

The deadliest of the recent attacks happened at a Shiite cultural centre on December 29 when a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing more than 40 people.

The fourth floor of the hotel, which boasts several restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool, had been set on fire during the raid.

At least four gunmen attacked Kabul's landmark Intercontinental Hotel in a night-time raid on Saturday and started shooting at guests and staff, officials said, in an hours-long assault that is still ongoing. Afghan media is reporting multiple casualties in the attack. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attack in the Afghan capital that followed a series of security warnings in recent days to avoid hotels and other locations frequented by foreigners. "Four attackers are inside the building," an official at the National Directorate of Security (NDS) spy agency said. They are "shooting at guests", he said. A guest hiding in a room said he could hear gunfire inside the 1960s hilltop hotel where dozens of people attending an information technology conference on Sunday were staying. "I don't know if the attackers are inside the hotel but I can hear gunfire from somewhere near the first floor," the man, who did not want to be named, said by telephone. "We are hiding in our rooms. I beg the security forces to rescue us as soon as possible before they reach and kill us." An official said the attackers were armed with small weapons and rocket-propelled grenades when they blasted their way into the hotel, which often hosts weddings, conferences and political gatherings. "Seven wounded people have been taken to hospital," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said, adding that two attackers have been killed. "Some other guests have been rescued. We will be able to release casualty figures once the operation ends." Rahimi said the first and second floors of the hotel have been secured by security forces, who are now trying to clear the fourth and fifth floors. Special forces were being lowered by helicopters onto the rooftop of the hotel, he added. The fourth floor of the hotel, which boasts several restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool, had been set on fire during the raid, the NDS official said. "The operation will soon end and the attackers will be killed," interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. Security questioned Authorities are already investigating how the attackers got past security which was taken over by a private company two weeks ago, Danish said. "They probably used a back door in the kitchen to enter," he said. Abdullah Sabet, an official at the communications and information technology ministry, said IT officials from around the country were staying at the hotel ahead of a conference on Sunday. "There were 40 of them in the hotel. We don't know if any of them have been killed or wounded," Sabet said. Security at the Intercontinental, which is not part of the global InterContinental chain, is relatively lax compared with other high-end hotels in Kabul. A conference on Afghanistan-China relations was held in one of its function rooms earlier Saturday, attended by the Chinese embassy's political counsellor Zhang Zhixin. An AFP reporter who attended the conference passed through two vehicle security checkpoints. At the entrance to the building there was a physical inspection that could be easily evaded by scaling a low-level barrier and entering the lobby. Security alerts sent in recent days to foreigners living in Kabul warned that "extremist groups may be planning an attack against hotels in Kabul" as well as public gatherings and other locations "where foreigners are known to congregate". The Intercontinental was last targeted in June 2011 when a suicide attack claimed by the Taliban killed 21 people, including 10 civilians. Security in Kabul has been tightened since May 31 when a massive truck bomb ripped through the diplomatic quarter, killing some 150 people and wounding around 400 others - mostly civilians. No group has yet claimed that attack. The Islamic State group has claimed most of the recent attacks in the Afghan capital, but authorities suspect that the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network has been involved in some of them. The deadliest of the recent attacks happened at a Shiite cultural centre on December 29 when a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing more than 40 people.

Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel under attack, multiple casualties

&nbsp;Nearly 2,300 civilians were killed or wounded in suicide bombings and attacks in Afghanistan in 2017, more than any previous year of the conflict on record, a UN report said today.

The figures come as militants ramp up their assaults on urban areas, after US President Donald Trump said last August the American presence in Afghanistan would remain open-ended and Washington stepped up airstrikes on rural militant strongholds.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that civilian deaths across the country dipped by nine per cent in 2017, with 10,453 total civilian casualties including 3,438 deaths and 7,015 wounded.

But as the Taliban and the Islamic State group have come under more pressure they have increasingly carried out indiscriminate assaults in cities.

As a result, casualties from suicide bombings and attacks jumped by 17 per cent.

&quot;2017 recorded the highest number of civilian casualties from suicide and complex attacks in a single year in Afghanistan,&quot; the report said, with 605 killed and 1,690 wounded from such incidents.

The capital remained a top target, with 16 per cent of all casualties during the year - a total of 1,831 people killed and wounded - occurring in Kabul alone.

&quot;Afghan civilians have been killed going about their daily lives -- travelling on a bus, praying in a mosque, simply walking past a building that was targeted,&quot; Zeid Ra&#39;ad Al Hussein, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, was quoted as saying in the report.

&quot;When we see civilians being deliberately targeted, you wonder how long that this (has) to go on,&quot; Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN&#39;s special representative in Afghanistan, told a press conference in Kabul Thursday. 
Militants claim to represent Afghan interests but are &quot;killing people in the most appalling manner, creating terror and suffering&quot;, he said.

Things have not improved so far in 2018, and he warned the UN is concerned it will see &quot;greater harm this year&quot;.

Since January 20, militants have stormed a luxury hotel, bombed a crowded street and raided a military compound in Kabul, killing more than 130 people.

The majority of the victims in 2017 were killed or wounded by anti-government insurgents, according to the report.

However pro-government forces, including international troops, were responsible for 20 per cent of the civilian casualties -- a seven percent increase from 2016.

The casualties by pro-government forces were mainly caused by the increase in aerial bombings by Afghan and foreign forces, the UNAMA said. The US is the only international force known to be carrying out airstrikes in Afghanistan.

More than 28,000 civilians have been killed and over 52,000 wounded in Afghanistan since 2009 when officials started documenting the casualties, according to the UN.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported that civilian deaths across the country dipped by nine per cent in 2017

Nearly 2,300 civilians were killed or wounded in suicide bombings and attacks in Afghanistan in 2017, more than any previous year of the conflict on record, a UN report said today. The figures come as militants ramp up their assaults on urban areas, after US President Donald Trump said last August the American presence in Afghanistan would remain open-ended and Washington stepped up airstrikes on rural militant strongholds. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that civilian deaths across the country dipped by nine per cent in 2017, with 10,453 total civilian casualties including 3,438 deaths and 7,015 wounded. But as the Taliban and the Islamic State group have come under more pressure they have increasingly carried out indiscriminate assaults in cities. As a result, casualties from suicide bombings and attacks jumped by 17 per cent. "2017 recorded the highest number of civilian casualties from suicide and complex attacks in a single year in Afghanistan," the report said, with 605 killed and 1,690 wounded from such incidents. The capital remained a top target, with 16 per cent of all casualties during the year - a total of 1,831 people killed and wounded - occurring in Kabul alone. "Afghan civilians have been killed going about their daily lives -- travelling on a bus, praying in a mosque, simply walking past a building that was targeted," Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, was quoted as saying in the report. "When we see civilians being deliberately targeted, you wonder how long that this (has) to go on," Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN's special representative in Afghanistan, told a press conference in Kabul Thursday. Militants claim to represent Afghan interests but are "killing people in the most appalling manner, creating terror and suffering", he said. Things have not improved so far in 2018, and he warned the UN is concerned it will see "greater harm this year". Since January 20, militants have stormed a luxury hotel, bombed a crowded street and raided a military compound in Kabul, killing more than 130 people. The majority of the victims in 2017 were killed or wounded by anti-government insurgents, according to the report. However pro-government forces, including international troops, were responsible for 20 per cent of the civilian casualties -- a seven percent increase from 2016. The casualties by pro-government forces were mainly caused by the increase in aerial bombings by Afghan and foreign forces, the UNAMA said. The US is the only international force known to be carrying out airstrikes in Afghanistan. More than 28,000 civilians have been killed and over 52,000 wounded in Afghanistan since 2009 when officials started documenting the casualties, according to the UN.

2,300 civilians killed or wounded in suicide bombings in Afghanistan last year: UN report

At least four gunmen attacked Kabul&#39;s landmark Intercontinental Hotel on Saturday and started shooting at guests, officials said, in an assault that is still under way.

&quot;Four attackers are inside the building,&quot; news agency AFP quoted an official at the National Directorate of Security (NDS) spy agency.

They are &quot;shooting at guests&quot;, he said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest in a long series of attacks to hit Kabul.

A guest hiding in a room told AFP he could hear gunfire inside the state-owned 1960s hotel.

&quot;I don&#39;t know if the attackers are inside the hotel but I can hear gunfire from somewhere near the first floor,&quot; he said by telephone without giving his name.

&quot;We are hiding in our rooms. I beg the security forces to rescue us as soon as possible before they reach and kill us.&quot;

Some of the occupants inside the hotel are hiding on the second floor, a security source said.

Electricity was cut after an initial explosion at the hilltop hotel, a counterterrorism source said.

News agency Reuters spoke to hotel manager Ahmad Haris Nayab, who managed to escape unhurt. He said the attackers had managed to get inside and people were fleeing amid bursts of gunfire on all sides, but he could say nothing about any casualties.

Afghan interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said details of the raid, which came days after a US embassy warning of possible attacks on hotels in the capital, were unclear, but the attackers appeared to have included suicide bombers.

Another official said the attackers were armed with small weapons and rocket-propelled grenades when they blasted their way into the hotel, which often hosts weddings, conferences and political gatherings.

A conference on Afghanistan-China relations was held at the hotel earlier on Saturday, attended by the Chinese embassy&#39;s political counsellor Zhang Zhixin.

The hotel, located on a hilltop and heavily protected like most public buildings in the city, was previously attacked by Taliban fighters in 2011.

It is one of Kabul&#39;s two main luxury hotels and is used for events including conferences attended by government officials.

On Thursday, the US embassy in Kabul issued a warning to US citizens, saying &quot;We are aware of reports that extremist groups may be planning an attack against hotels in Kabul&quot;.

Although the NATO-led Resolute Support mission says the Taliban has come under pressure after the United States increased assistance to Afghan security forces and stepped up air strikes against the insurgents, security remains precarious.

As pressure on the battlefield has increased, security officials have warned that the danger of attacks on high profile targets in Kabul and other cities would increase.

While it shares the same name, the hotel in Kabul is not part of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), which issued a statement in 2011 saying that &quot;the hotel Inter-continental in Kabul is not part of IHG and has not been since 1980&quot;.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest in a long series of attacks to hit Afghanistan's capital.

At least four gunmen attacked Kabul's landmark Intercontinental Hotel on Saturday and started shooting at guests, officials said, in an assault that is still under way. "Four attackers are inside the building," news agency AFP quoted an official at the National Directorate of Security (NDS) spy agency. They are "shooting at guests", he said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest in a long series of attacks to hit Kabul. A guest hiding in a room told AFP he could hear gunfire inside the state-owned 1960s hotel. "I don't know if the attackers are inside the hotel but I can hear gunfire from somewhere near the first floor," he said by telephone without giving his name. "We are hiding in our rooms. I beg the security forces to rescue us as soon as possible before they reach and kill us." Some of the occupants inside the hotel are hiding on the second floor, a security source said. Electricity was cut after an initial explosion at the hilltop hotel, a counterterrorism source said. News agency Reuters spoke to hotel manager Ahmad Haris Nayab, who managed to escape unhurt. He said the attackers had managed to get inside and people were fleeing amid bursts of gunfire on all sides, but he could say nothing about any casualties. Afghan interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said details of the raid, which came days after a US embassy warning of possible attacks on hotels in the capital, were unclear, but the attackers appeared to have included suicide bombers. Another official said the attackers were armed with small weapons and rocket-propelled grenades when they blasted their way into the hotel, which often hosts weddings, conferences and political gatherings. A conference on Afghanistan-China relations was held at the hotel earlier on Saturday, attended by the Chinese embassy's political counsellor Zhang Zhixin. The hotel, located on a hilltop and heavily protected like most public buildings in the city, was previously attacked by Taliban fighters in 2011. It is one of Kabul's two main luxury hotels and is used for events including conferences attended by government officials. On Thursday, the US embassy in Kabul issued a warning to US citizens, saying "We are aware of reports that extremist groups may be planning an attack against hotels in Kabul". Although the NATO-led Resolute Support mission says the Taliban has come under pressure after the United States increased assistance to Afghan security forces and stepped up air strikes against the insurgents, security remains precarious. As pressure on the battlefield has increased, security officials have warned that the danger of attacks on high profile targets in Kabul and other cities would increase. While it shares the same name, the hotel in Kabul is not part of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), which issued a statement in 2011 saying that "the hotel Inter-continental in Kabul is not part of IHG and has not been since 1980".

Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel under attack 'by at least four gunmen'

Anger was growing in Kabul Sunday, a day after a huge bomb hidden in an ambulance <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kabul-explosion-death-toll-increases-to-103-30982">killed 103 people</a> and wounded scores more, highlighting the ability of insurgents to strike at the heart of Afghanistan.

The attack, which was claimed by the Taliban, took lives of 103 people and left 235 wounded.

It came as both the insurgents and the Islamic State group have escalated their attacks on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-40-dead-140-wounded-after-massive-suicide-bomb-explosion-rocks-kabul-30897">Kabul</a>, one of the deadliest places in Afghanistan for civilians.&nbsp;

Ordinary Afghans took to social media to express their anguish and sorrow at rapidly worsening security, as the Taliban and the Islamic State group step up attacks on Kabul, turning it into one of the deadliest places in Afghanistan for civilians.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I am crossing this way everyday, I am afraid that tomorrow I will not see the guy who was polishing shoes, the one selling pens, the other one selling juice and many other poor civilians who were working on the street to feed their kids. Tragedy! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KabulAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KabulAttack</a> <a href="https://t.co/ucyLPxiOYm">pic.twitter.com/ucyLPxiOYm</a>
&mdash; Abdullah Yadgare (@Abdullahyadgare) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abdullahyadgare/status/957196931637358592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Tired of mourning the loss of innocent lives and feeling utterly helpless. Will there ever be an end to all this? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KabulAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KabulAttack</a>
&mdash; Mursal Juya (@juyamursal) <a href="https://twitter.com/juyamursal/status/957185780606296064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It is a massacre! 
Terrorists targeted populated civilian road next to a hospital where 100s were receiving treatment. 
Almost all of the 180+ casualties are civilians and those getting medical care in the Jamhouriyat Hospital. This is inhuman and barbaric! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KabulAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KabulAttack</a>
&mdash; Javid Faisal (@Javidfaisal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Javidfaisal/status/957196169071022080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
This time the terrorists used an ambulance as a weapon. The creativity of their depravity is sickening. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KabulAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KabulAttack</a>
&mdash; Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelKugelman/status/957235710783782912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
At a basic level, people expect govt to provide them w/ security. If a govt can&#39;t guarantee that, then there&#39;s no need for such a govt. Hotel attack killed dozens last week &amp; an ambulance filled w. explosives kill more than 40 today. That&#39;s a lot of blood. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KabulAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KabulAttack</a>
&mdash; Abid Amiri (@abidamiri) <a href="https://twitter.com/abidamiri/status/957205620255592448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

US President Donald on Sunday asked countries to take <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-attack-donald-trump-seeks-decisive-action-against-taliban-30943">decisive action</a> against the Taliban and the terrorist infrastructure that supports them, in an indirect but obvious reference to Pakistan.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-explosion-the-perpetrators-of-these-dastardly-attacks-should-be-brought-to-justice-says-ministry-of-external-affairs-30922"> Ministry of External Affairs</a> has strongly condemned the massive suicide-bomb&nbsp;explosion in Kabul.&nbsp;The official release noted that the &quot;barbaric and dastardly terrorist attacks in Kabul targeted innocent civilians and the wounded under treatment.&quot;

<a href="http://wioncms.cloudapp.net/dashboard/webdesk/addeditstory.aspx">Pakistan</a>, on Saturday, strongly condemned the&nbsp;terror attack in Kabul that claimed at least 95 lives and called for cooperation among countries for effectively combating and eliminating the scourge of terrorism.

The attack, which was claimed by the Taliban, took lives of 95 people and left 191 wounded

Anger was growing in Kabul Sunday, a day after a huge bomb hidden in an ambulance killed 103 people and wounded scores more, highlighting the ability of insurgents to strike at the heart of Afghanistan. The attack, which was claimed by the Taliban, took lives of 103 people and left 235 wounded. It came as both the insurgents and the Islamic State group have escalated their attacks on Kabul, one of the deadliest places in Afghanistan for civilians. Ordinary Afghans took to social media to express their anguish and sorrow at rapidly worsening security, as the Taliban and the Islamic State group step up attacks on Kabul, turning it into one of the deadliest places in Afghanistan for civilians. I am crossing this way everyday, I am afraid that tomorrow I will not see the guy who was polishing shoes, the one selling pens, the other one selling juice and many other poor civilians who were working on the street to feed their kids. Tragedy! #KabulAttack pic.twitter.com/ucyLPxiOYm — Abdullah Yadgare (@Abdullahyadgare) January 27, 2018 × Tired of mourning the loss of innocent lives and feeling utterly helpless. Will there ever be an end to all this? #KabulAttack — Mursal Juya (@juyamursal) January 27, 2018 × It is a massacre! Terrorists targeted populated civilian road next to a hospital where 100s were receiving treatment. Almost all of the 180+ casualties are civilians and those getting medical care in the Jamhouriyat Hospital. This is inhuman and barbaric! #Kabul #KabulAttack — Javid Faisal (@Javidfaisal) January 27, 2018 × This time the terrorists used an ambulance as a weapon. The creativity of their depravity is sickening. #KabulAttack — Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) January 27, 2018 × At a basic level, people expect govt to provide them w/ security. If a govt can't guarantee that, then there's no need for such a govt. Hotel attack killed dozens last week & an ambulance filled w. explosives kill more than 40 today. That's a lot of blood. #KabulAttack — Abid Amiri (@abidamiri) January 27, 2018 × US President Donald on Sunday asked countries to take decisive action against the Taliban and the terrorist infrastructure that supports them, in an indirect but obvious reference to Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs has strongly condemned the massive suicide-bomb explosion in Kabul. The official release noted that the "barbaric and dastardly terrorist attacks in Kabul targeted innocent civilians and the wounded under treatment." Pakistan, on Saturday, strongly condemned the terror attack in Kabul that claimed at least 95 lives and called for cooperation among countries for effectively combating and eliminating the scourge of terrorism.

Anger grows in Kabul after attack kills 103

The death toll from a devastating suicide bomb blast in Kabul has risen to 103 with hundreds more wounded, officials said Sunday, making it the worst attack in the Afghan capital in months.

&quot;Unfortunately a number of wounded people have died in hospital. The number of martyrs is now 103,&quot; interior minister Wais Barmak told reporters, adding that another 235 were wounded.

An explosives-packed ambulance blew up in a crowded area of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-40-dead-140-wounded-after-massive-suicide-bomb-explosion-rocks-kabul-30897">Kabul </a>on Saturday in one of the biggest blasts to rock the war-torn city in recent years.

The Taliban-claimed assault -- the second carried out by the militant group in the Afghan capital in a week -- triggered chaotic scenes as terrified survivors fled the area scattered with body parts, blood and debris, and hospitals were overwhelmed by a large number of wounded.

The blast happened in an area where several high-profile organisations, including the European Union, have offices. Members of the EU delegation in Kabul were in their &quot;safe room&quot; and there were no casualties.&nbsp;

US President Donald on Sunday asked countries to take&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-attack-donald-trump-seeks-decisive-action-against-taliban-30943">decisive action</a>&nbsp;against the Taliban and the terrorist infrastructure that supports them, in an indirect but obvious reference to Pakistan.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-explosion-the-perpetrators-of-these-dastardly-attacks-should-be-brought-to-justice-says-ministry-of-external-affairs-30922">&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs</a>&nbsp;has strongly condemned the massive suicide-bomb&nbsp;explosion in Kabul.&nbsp;The official release noted that the &quot;barbaric and dastardly terrorist attacks in Kabul targeted innocent civilians and the wounded under treatment.&quot;

<a href="http://wioncms.cloudapp.net/dashboard/webdesk/addeditstory.aspx">Pakistan</a>, on Saturday, strongly condemned the&nbsp;terror attack in Kabul that claimed at least 95 lives and called for cooperation among countries for effectively combating and eliminating the scourge of terrorism.

An ambulance packed with explosives blew up in a crowded area of Kabul on Saturday

The death toll from a devastating suicide bomb blast in Kabul has risen to 103 with hundreds more wounded, officials said Sunday, making it the worst attack in the Afghan capital in months. "Unfortunately a number of wounded people have died in hospital. The number of martyrs is now 103," interior minister Wais Barmak told reporters, adding that another 235 were wounded. An explosives-packed ambulance blew up in a crowded area of Kabul on Saturday in one of the biggest blasts to rock the war-torn city in recent years. The Taliban-claimed assault -- the second carried out by the militant group in the Afghan capital in a week -- triggered chaotic scenes as terrified survivors fled the area scattered with body parts, blood and debris, and hospitals were overwhelmed by a large number of wounded. The blast happened in an area where several high-profile organisations, including the European Union, have offices. Members of the EU delegation in Kabul were in their "safe room" and there were no casualties. US President Donald on Sunday asked countries to take decisive action against the Taliban and the terrorist infrastructure that supports them, in an indirect but obvious reference to Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs has strongly condemned the massive suicide-bomb explosion in Kabul. The official release noted that the "barbaric and dastardly terrorist attacks in Kabul targeted innocent civilians and the wounded under treatment." Pakistan, on Saturday, strongly condemned the terror attack in Kabul that claimed at least 95 lives and called for cooperation among countries for effectively combating and eliminating the scourge of terrorism.

Kabul explosion: Death toll increases to 103

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kabul-on-high-alert-after-ambulance-bomb-toll-tops-100-30992">Kabul on high alert after ambulance bomb toll tops 100</a>

Afghanistan Sunday declared a day of national mourning as the toll for those killed by a huge bomb hidden in an ambulance in Kabul topped 100 people and tensions remained high after insurgents struck in the city for the second time in a week.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-wins-australian-open-2018-mens-singles-30991">Roger Federer wins Australian Open 2018 Men&#39;s Singles</a>

Switzerland&#39;s Roger Federer claimed a record-equalling sixth Australian Open title with a 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 6-1 victory over Croatia&#39;s Marin Cilic on Sunday. The 36-year-old defending champion won the opening set in 24 minutes under the Rod Laver Arena roof before Cilic, playing his first final in Melbourne, found his range with a barrage of big hitting to drag the showpiece match into a deciding set.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/five-arrested-over-kabul-intercontinental-hotel-shooting-30990">Five arrested over Kabul Intercontinental hotel shooting</a>

Local media of Afghanistan has reported the arrest of five persons in connection with the January 21 attack on the Intercontinental hotel in Kabul. At least four Taliban gunmen attacked Kabul&#39;s landmark Intercontinental Hotel on Saturday and started shooting at guests, which went on for 12 hours.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-pm-accuses-separatists-of-coup-after-hq-takeover-30986">Yemen PM accuses separatists of coup after HQ takeover</a>

Yemen&#39;s Prime Minister Ahmed bin Dagher on Sunday accused southern separatists of attempting a coup in the interim capital of Aden after they took over the government headquarters.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/anger-grows-in-kabul-after-attack-kills-nearly-100-30976">Anger grows in Kabul after attack kills 103</a>

Anger was growing in Kabul Sunday, a day after a huge bomb hidden in an ambulance killed 103 people and wounded scores more, highlighting the ability of insurgents to strike at the heart of Afghanistan. The attack, which was claimed by the Taliban, took lives of 103 people and left 235 wounded.

Kabul on high alert after ambulance bomb toll tops 100 Afghanistan Sunday declared a day of national mourning as the toll for those killed by a huge bomb hidden in an ambulance in Kabul topped 100 people and tensions remained high after insurgents struck in the city for the second time in a week. Roger Federer wins Australian Open 2018 Men's Singles Switzerland's Roger Federer claimed a record-equalling sixth Australian Open title with a 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 6-1 victory over Croatia's Marin Cilic on Sunday. The 36-year-old defending champion won the opening set in 24 minutes under the Rod Laver Arena roof before Cilic, playing his first final in Melbourne, found his range with a barrage of big hitting to drag the showpiece match into a deciding set. Five arrested over Kabul Intercontinental hotel shooting Local media of Afghanistan has reported the arrest of five persons in connection with the January 21 attack on the Intercontinental hotel in Kabul. At least four Taliban gunmen attacked Kabul's landmark Intercontinental Hotel on Saturday and started shooting at guests, which went on for 12 hours. Yemen PM accuses separatists of coup after HQ takeover Yemen's Prime Minister Ahmed bin Dagher on Sunday accused southern separatists of attempting a coup in the interim capital of Aden after they took over the government headquarters. Anger grows in Kabul after attack kills 103 Anger was growing in Kabul Sunday, a day after a huge bomb hidden in an ambulance killed 103 people and wounded scores more, highlighting the ability of insurgents to strike at the heart of Afghanistan. The attack, which was claimed by the Taliban, took lives of 103 people and left 235 wounded.

WION Evening News Brief, January 28, 2018

The U.S. State Department has confirmed that multiple American citizens had been killed during a weekend siege at Kabul`s Intercontinental Hotel.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, state department spokesperson Heather Nauert confirmed the news. However, she did not give any casualty figure.

The terrorists, on Saturday evening, stormed the hotel and started shooting at guests and detonating grenades.

The Intercontinental Hotel, located on a hilltop and heavily protected like most public buildings in Kabul, is one of two main luxury hotels in the city and was due to host an information technology conference on Sunday.

The United States also condemned the attack.&quot;Violence like this has no place in Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world,&quot; Nauert said.In 2011, a similar attack on the hotel left at least 21 people dead, which also included nine attackers.&nbsp;

The Taliban was also responsible for that attack as well.The attack came just days after the US embassy in Kabul issued a warning about hotels in the city.

State department spokesperson Heather Nauert confirmed the news

The U.S. State Department has confirmed that multiple American citizens had been killed during a weekend siege at Kabul`s Intercontinental Hotel. In a press briefing on Tuesday, state department spokesperson Heather Nauert confirmed the news. However, she did not give any casualty figure. The terrorists, on Saturday evening, stormed the hotel and started shooting at guests and detonating grenades. The Intercontinental Hotel, located on a hilltop and heavily protected like most public buildings in Kabul, is one of two main luxury hotels in the city and was due to host an information technology conference on Sunday. The United States also condemned the attack."Violence like this has no place in Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world," Nauert said.In 2011, a similar attack on the hotel left at least 21 people dead, which also included nine attackers. The Taliban was also responsible for that attack as well.The attack came just days after the US embassy in Kabul issued a warning about hotels in the city.

US citizens killed in Kabul attack: State Department

Afghanistan Sunday declared a day of national mourning as the toll for those killed by a huge bomb hidden in an ambulance in Kabul topped 100 people and tensions remained high after insurgents struck in the city for the second time in a week.&nbsp;

At least 103 people were killed and 235 wounded in Saturday`s lunchtime attack claimed by the Taliban, which caused panic in the war-torn capital and overwhelmed its hospitals.&nbsp;

Kabul remained on high alert as the presidential palace declared a national day of mourning for Sunday, with flags flying at half-mast. The attack was one of the worst to strike the capital in recent years.&nbsp;

Central Kabul was unusually quiet on Sunday, a normal workday in Afghanistan, with little traffic and few people on the streets.&nbsp;

In contrast, security checkpoints have been beefed up, particularly near the blast scene, as the city braced for the possibility of further violence.&nbsp;

A security alert issued on Sunday warned that the Islamic State group -- which claimed a deadly attack on Save the Children`s office in Afghanistan`s east on Wednesday -- was planning to attack supermarkets and shops in Kabul frequented by foreigners.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump called for &quot;decisive action&quot; against the Taliban over the assault as other international leaders also condemned the attack.

Afghan authorities gave an updated toll Sunday for those killed and maimed in the huge blast.&nbsp;

&quot;Unfortunately a number of wounded people have died in hospital. The number of martyrs is now 103 and wounded is 235,&quot; Interior Minister Wais Barmak told reporters.&nbsp;

Most of the victims were relatives of patients at a nearby hospital, said Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, the head of Afghanistan`s spy agency, describing the attack as a reaction by the Taliban to losses on the battlefield.&nbsp;

&quot;It does not mean a lapse (in security). We have foiled many attacks, but some are difficult to control,&quot; the head of National Directorate of Security told reporters.

Ordinary Afghans took to social media to express their anguish and sorrow at rapidly worsening security as the Taliban and IS militants step up attacks on Kabul, turning it into one of the deadliest places in Afghanistan for civilians.&nbsp;

&quot;We are so heartbroken in Kabul that we don`t know how to start our new day,&quot; Freshta Karim wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

&quot;Shall we stay home or go to work, shall we meet our friends and cry or shall we force ourselves to create an illusion of hope? How are you starting your day in Kabul?&quot;&nbsp;

Naser Danesh tweeted: &quot;In Kabul starting a day without explosion, it would be a surprise. One could only imagine that kind of a day.&quot;

On Facebook, Naweed Qaderi wrote: &quot;It is a big shame for the government, they repeatedly fail to protect people. The leaders must lose a son or daughter to feel the pain of poor people.&quot;&nbsp;

The blast happened in a crowded area of the city where several high-profile organisations including the European Union have offices.

The force of the explosion shook the windows of buildings hundreds of metres away and caused some low-rise structures in the immediate vicinity to collapse.

The scene of the attack was scattered with body parts, blood and debris. Children were among the wounded. The government has blamed the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network, which Afghan and Western officials suspect of involvement in at least some of the recent attacks in the capital.&nbsp;

Aerial footage showed two ambulances -- the second one driven by the suicide attacker -- approaching the first checkpoint, Barmak told reporters.&nbsp;

Police checked the first vehicle and, assuming the two ambulances were together, waved them through, he said.&nbsp;

Both ambulances went to the parking lot of the Jamhuriat hospital. After 20 minutes the suicide attacker drove on to the second checkpoint.&nbsp;

&quot;At the second checkpoint he was recognised and blew (up) his explosive-laden car,&quot; interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said earlier. He said four suspects had been arrested.

The attack came exactly a week after Taliban insurgents stormed Kabul`s landmark Intercontinental hotel and killed at least 25 people, the majority foreigners.

But there is still confusion over the true toll from that attack with conflicting figures given by officials and Afghan media reporting higher numbers.

Stanekzai said five people had been arrested so far over the hotel raid.&nbsp;

Some foreign organisations are reassessing their presence in Afghanistan following the spate of deadly violence.

The Aga Khan Foundation is moving its foreign staff out of the country, several sources told AFP.

At least one Western humanitarian group is relocating its foreign staff to other cities in Afghanistan, a source said.

At least 103 people were killed and 235 wounded in Saturday`s lunchtime attack claimed by the Taliban, which caused panic in the war-torn capital and overwhelmed its hospitals.

Afghanistan Sunday declared a day of national mourning as the toll for those killed by a huge bomb hidden in an ambulance in Kabul topped 100 people and tensions remained high after insurgents struck in the city for the second time in a week. At least 103 people were killed and 235 wounded in Saturday`s lunchtime attack claimed by the Taliban, which caused panic in the war-torn capital and overwhelmed its hospitals. Kabul remained on high alert as the presidential palace declared a national day of mourning for Sunday, with flags flying at half-mast. The attack was one of the worst to strike the capital in recent years. Central Kabul was unusually quiet on Sunday, a normal workday in Afghanistan, with little traffic and few people on the streets. In contrast, security checkpoints have been beefed up, particularly near the blast scene, as the city braced for the possibility of further violence. A security alert issued on Sunday warned that the Islamic State group -- which claimed a deadly attack on Save the Children`s office in Afghanistan`s east on Wednesday -- was planning to attack supermarkets and shops in Kabul frequented by foreigners. US President Donald Trump called for "decisive action" against the Taliban over the assault as other international leaders also condemned the attack. Afghan authorities gave an updated toll Sunday for those killed and maimed in the huge blast. "Unfortunately a number of wounded people have died in hospital. The number of martyrs is now 103 and wounded is 235," Interior Minister Wais Barmak told reporters. Most of the victims were relatives of patients at a nearby hospital, said Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, the head of Afghanistan`s spy agency, describing the attack as a reaction by the Taliban to losses on the battlefield. "It does not mean a lapse (in security). We have foiled many attacks, but some are difficult to control," the head of National Directorate of Security told reporters. Ordinary Afghans took to social media to express their anguish and sorrow at rapidly worsening security as the Taliban and IS militants step up attacks on Kabul, turning it into one of the deadliest places in Afghanistan for civilians. "We are so heartbroken in Kabul that we don`t know how to start our new day," Freshta Karim wrote on Twitter. "Shall we stay home or go to work, shall we meet our friends and cry or shall we force ourselves to create an illusion of hope? How are you starting your day in Kabul?" Naser Danesh tweeted: "In Kabul starting a day without explosion, it would be a surprise. One could only imagine that kind of a day." On Facebook, Naweed Qaderi wrote: "It is a big shame for the government, they repeatedly fail to protect people. The leaders must lose a son or daughter to feel the pain of poor people." The blast happened in a crowded area of the city where several high-profile organisations including the European Union have offices. The force of the explosion shook the windows of buildings hundreds of metres away and caused some low-rise structures in the immediate vicinity to collapse. The scene of the attack was scattered with body parts, blood and debris. Children were among the wounded. The government has blamed the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network, which Afghan and Western officials suspect of involvement in at least some of the recent attacks in the capital. Aerial footage showed two ambulances -- the second one driven by the suicide attacker -- approaching the first checkpoint, Barmak told reporters. Police checked the first vehicle and, assuming the two ambulances were together, waved them through, he said. Both ambulances went to the parking lot of the Jamhuriat hospital. After 20 minutes the suicide attacker drove on to the second checkpoint. "At the second checkpoint he was recognised and blew (up) his explosive-laden car," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said earlier. He said four suspects had been arrested. The attack came exactly a week after Taliban insurgents stormed Kabul`s landmark Intercontinental hotel and killed at least 25 people, the majority foreigners. But there is still confusion over the true toll from that attack with conflicting figures given by officials and Afghan media reporting higher numbers. Stanekzai said five people had been arrested so far over the hotel raid. Some foreign organisations are reassessing their presence in Afghanistan following the spate of deadly violence. The Aga Khan Foundation is moving its foreign staff out of the country, several sources told AFP. At least one Western humanitarian group is relocating its foreign staff to other cities in Afghanistan, a source said.

Kabul on high alert after ambulance bomb toll tops 100

Afghan <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-on-kabuls-intercontinental-hotel-was-planned-in-pakistan-afghan-envoy-to-us-31193">President Ashraf Ghani today lashed</a> out at Pakistan accusing its neighbour of being the &quot;Taliban centre&quot;.

&quot;We are waiting for Pakistan to act,&quot; Ghani said in a televised address to the nation.

&quot;Pakistan is the centre of the Taliban. It is time for the Pakistani government to take a decision,&quot; the president said.

Afghanistan blamed terrorists in Pakistan for the recent attack on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul.&nbsp;A suicide bomber hit a crowded city street a week later. At least 130 people were killed in both attacks stroking public anger.

Afghan and US officials said the Haqqani Network linked to the Taliban and believed to be based in Pakistan was responsible.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&quot;Is what they want for themselves the same for all Islamic countries, or is it an image that only their Islamic scholars know but that other Islamic scholars don&#39;t know?,&quot; the Afghan president said in anger.

Pakistan&#39;s foreign office was quick to react asserting that Pakistan and Afghanistan were both victims of terrorism and needed to work together to fight the common threat.

&quot;We reject any allegations of support to the Haqqani network or the Taliban, and of allowing them to use our soil. Pakistan has been taking action against all terrorists groups in its territory,&quot; Pakistan&#39;s foreign office said.&nbsp;

&quot;It is our commitment to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,&quot; the statement added.

&quot;Pakistan affirms solidarity with the people and government of Afghanistan in fighting the menace of terrorism,&quot; he said in a statement.&nbsp;

&quot;We feel the pain of our Afghan brothers and sisters,&quot; the foreign office added. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan foreign office was quick to react asserting that Pakistan and Afghanistan were both victims of terrorism

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani today lashed out at Pakistan accusing its neighbour of being the "Taliban centre". "We are waiting for Pakistan to act," Ghani said in a televised address to the nation. "Pakistan is the centre of the Taliban. It is time for the Pakistani government to take a decision," the president said. Afghanistan blamed terrorists in Pakistan for the recent attack on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul. A suicide bomber hit a crowded city street a week later. At least 130 people were killed in both attacks stroking public anger. Afghan and US officials said the Haqqani Network linked to the Taliban and believed to be based in Pakistan was responsible. "Is what they want for themselves the same for all Islamic countries, or is it an image that only their Islamic scholars know but that other Islamic scholars don't know?," the Afghan president said in anger. Pakistan's foreign office was quick to react asserting that Pakistan and Afghanistan were both victims of terrorism and needed to work together to fight the common threat. "We reject any allegations of support to the Haqqani network or the Taliban, and of allowing them to use our soil. Pakistan has been taking action against all terrorists groups in its territory," Pakistan's foreign office said. "It is our commitment to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the statement added. "Pakistan affirms solidarity with the people and government of Afghanistan in fighting the menace of terrorism," he said in a statement. "We feel the pain of our Afghan brothers and sisters," the foreign office added.

Pakistan is 'centre' of Taliban, says Afghan President Ashraf Ghani

Since the early eighties, Afghanistan has been witnessing the worst crimes against the humanity. The country had been the battleground of the superpowers of the world and now facing extreme forms of violence and, as a result, the country is at the rock bottom of all the developmental indexes in the world. The human life is subjected to worst tortures, killings are common, and terror activities are a daily news in the mountain country.

&nbsp;

The US-backed and Pakistan-trained Mujahedeen groups fought with the Soviet forces and forced them to retreat. As a result, a large number of Afghan refugees moved into the areas across Durand Line and established themselves. Various Islamic sects of Pakistan, including Jamaat-e-Islami, took this opportunity to establish their madrasas or religious schools in these areas.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

When Afghanistan was going through a process of destabilisation after the withdrawal of Soviet Troops, Pakistan needed to gain its influence over Afghanistan. For this purpose, it needed a force loyal to it and brutal enough to fight the mighty Northern Alliance of Afghanistan. The Madrasas proved to be an ideal recruiting ground for the Pakistan ISI and a new breed of terror was created -the Taliban.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Over next few years, these seminaries were converted into arms and bomb-making factories and terrorist training centres with the help of Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

&nbsp;

The only one responsible for these crimes was the Pakistan government which turned these religious seminaries into terror factories. Later, these madrasas provided numerous cadres of Al-Qaeda and more than 1 lakh fighters to the Afghan Taliban. Not only this, they continued to provide terrorists and suicide bombers for the ongoing terror activities in Afghanistan, India and the Middle East.&nbsp; Many ISIS cadres also came out from some of these madrasas. These madrasas soon became an easy and effective training centre of Pakistan&#39;s ISI.

&nbsp;

The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is extremely porous and facilitates easy movement of even a large force across as there is no surveillance. Hence, this was a major advantage for Pakistan ISI to run madrasas in these areas.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

These terror factories are not run on mere donations of the public but receive massive funds from the Pakistan government as well as the Middle Eastern countries. A Times of India news report said, in 2016, Pakistan&#39;s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government gave Rs 300 million to one of the prominent madrasa, also known as the &#39;University of Jihad&#39;. The madrasa is known to have many Taliban leader among its alumni.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Not only this, it has been alleged that the agents of the Pakistan government often compel and even kidnap Afghan children to study in these madrasas so that they can be taught the most violent form of Islam and turned into a deadly fighter. As per a report published in the Deccan Chronicle (dated 31 Jul 2017), Afghan police caught an organised syndicate which used to traffic young boys to the madrasas across the border in Pakistan from interiors of Afghanistan. They recovered a large number of Afghan boys who were being taken to Pakistan to study in these madrasas against their own will. This proves that Pak support to these madrasas is not only limited to indoctrination but also providing them with manpower, military training, funds and other forms of logistical support.

&nbsp;

Today, there are over 15000 madrasas being run on Pak- Afghan border out of which more than 60% are in Baluchistan alone. The reason is obvious, the most important aspect of Taliban or their ideological hub which is called as Quetta Shura is located in the Baluchistan province itself. This is the group which is managing a large number of madrasas in the area. Surprisingly, nearly all of them are teaching either the Deobandi Philosophy of Islam or Salafi ideology, both are extremely violent and most radical forms of Islam.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As of now, nearly all attacks or violence in Afghanistan is traced back to one or the other madrasas in Pakistan. As per the statement made by the Afghan Ambassador in the US, Mr Majeed Qarar, the attack on Kabul&rsquo;s Intercontinental Hotel was also planned in one such madrasa in Pakistan. He quoted the video of the father of one of the suicide attackers who visited the madrasa many times to bring their son back but he was so badly brain-washed that he refused to come back with them.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There have been allegations substantiated by evidences that Pakistan had been providing equipment and weapons to terrorists in Afghanistan. During the recent attack on Maiwand Army Base of Afghanistan, the night vision goggles recovered from terrorists reveal the entire story. They were made by a company in Britain and procured by Pak Army for their military operations. Now, how they reached these terrorists, the question reveals the answer itself.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;In March 2016, Pak PM&rsquo;s advisor Mr Sartaz Ajeez himself accepted that &ldquo;These madrasas had well-oiled terror infrastructure, beyond imagination, running bomb-making factories, terrorists training centres and those to train suicide bombers - all under multi-storeyed basement under the mosque&rdquo; which proves the fact that these madrasas are really operating as terror factories.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He further mentioned that &quot;In one mosque that I visited, I remember, in Miranshah, from outside we did not see anything. But under the mosque, there were a 70-room basement, three stories, in which there were four-five IED factories, four-five suicide training centres, communication network, VIP room, conference rooms, amazing infrastructure,&quot;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This is very horrifying, to say the least. The world is surprised to know how these terror factories are still able to run on Pakistani soil smoothly. Pakistan government may deny their association with them but, at last, they are openly operating on their land and making a mockery of their law. Moreover, the victims of these terror factories are only the poor and innocent Afghan population and not Pakistan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is the responsibility of the global leaders now to make an all-out effort&nbsp;and ensure that these terror factories are not only closed but their leaders and perpetrators of terror should be brought to justice.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today, there are over 15000 madrasas on Pak- Afghan border out of which more than 60% are in Baluchistan as the ideological hub of Taliban is in the province.

Since the early eighties, Afghanistan has been witnessing the worst crimes against the humanity. The country had been the battleground of the superpowers of the world and now facing extreme forms of violence and, as a result, the country is at the rock bottom of all the developmental indexes in the world. The human life is subjected to worst tortures, killings are common, and terror activities are a daily news in the mountain country. The US-backed and Pakistan-trained Mujahedeen groups fought with the Soviet forces and forced them to retreat. As a result, a large number of Afghan refugees moved into the areas across Durand Line and established themselves. Various Islamic sects of Pakistan, including Jamaat-e-Islami, took this opportunity to establish their madrasas or religious schools in these areas. When Afghanistan was going through a process of destabilisation after the withdrawal of Soviet Troops, Pakistan needed to gain its influence over Afghanistan. For this purpose, it needed a force loyal to it and brutal enough to fight the mighty Northern Alliance of Afghanistan. The Madrasas proved to be an ideal recruiting ground for the Pakistan ISI and a new breed of terror was created -the Taliban. Over next few years, these seminaries were converted into arms and bomb-making factories and terrorist training centres with the help of Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The only one responsible for these crimes was the Pakistan government which turned these religious seminaries into terror factories. Later, these madrasas provided numerous cadres of Al-Qaeda and more than 1 lakh fighters to the Afghan Taliban. Not only this, they continued to provide terrorists and suicide bombers for the ongoing terror activities in Afghanistan, India and the Middle East. Many ISIS cadres also came out from some of these madrasas. These madrasas soon became an easy and effective training centre of Pakistan's ISI. The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is extremely porous and facilitates easy movement of even a large force across as there is no surveillance. Hence, this was a major advantage for Pakistan ISI to run madrasas in these areas. These terror factories are not run on mere donations of the public but receive massive funds from the Pakistan government as well as the Middle Eastern countries. A Times of India news report said, in 2016, Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government gave Rs 300 million to one of the prominent madrasa, also known as the 'University of Jihad'. The madrasa is known to have many Taliban leader among its alumni. Not only this, it has been alleged that the agents of the Pakistan government often compel and even kidnap Afghan children to study in these madrasas so that they can be taught the most violent form of Islam and turned into a deadly fighter. As per a report published in the Deccan Chronicle (dated 31 Jul 2017), Afghan police caught an organised syndicate which used to traffic young boys to the madrasas across the border in Pakistan from interiors of Afghanistan. They recovered a large number of Afghan boys who were being taken to Pakistan to study in these madrasas against their own will. This proves that Pak support to these madrasas is not only limited to indoctrination but also providing them with manpower, military training, funds and other forms of logistical support. Today, there are over 15000 madrasas being run on Pak- Afghan border out of which more than 60% are in Baluchistan alone. The reason is obvious, the most important aspect of Taliban or their ideological hub which is called as Quetta Shura is located in the Baluchistan province itself. This is the group which is managing a large number of madrasas in the area. Surprisingly, nearly all of them are teaching either the Deobandi Philosophy of Islam or Salafi ideology, both are extremely violent and most radical forms of Islam. As of now, nearly all attacks or violence in Afghanistan is traced back to one or the other madrasas in Pakistan. As per the statement made by the Afghan Ambassador in the US, Mr Majeed Qarar, the attack on Kabul’s Intercontinental Hotel was also planned in one such madrasa in Pakistan. He quoted the video of the father of one of the suicide attackers who visited the madrasa many times to bring their son back but he was so badly brain-washed that he refused to come back with them. There have been allegations substantiated by evidences that Pakistan had been providing equipment and weapons to terrorists in Afghanistan. During the recent attack on Maiwand Army Base of Afghanistan, the night vision goggles recovered from terrorists reveal the entire story. They were made by a company in Britain and procured by Pak Army for their military operations. Now, how they reached these terrorists, the question reveals the answer itself. In March 2016, Pak PM’s advisor Mr Sartaz Ajeez himself accepted that “These madrasas had well-oiled terror infrastructure, beyond imagination, running bomb-making factories, terrorists training centres and those to train suicide bombers - all under multi-storeyed basement under the mosque” which proves the fact that these madrasas are really operating as terror factories. He further mentioned that "In one mosque that I visited, I remember, in Miranshah, from outside we did not see anything. But under the mosque, there were a 70-room basement, three stories, in which there were four-five IED factories, four-five suicide training centres, communication network, VIP room, conference rooms, amazing infrastructure," This is very horrifying, to say the least. The world is surprised to know how these terror factories are still able to run on Pakistani soil smoothly. Pakistan government may deny their association with them but, at last, they are openly operating on their land and making a mockery of their law. Moreover, the victims of these terror factories are only the poor and innocent Afghan population and not Pakistan. It is the responsibility of the global leaders now to make an all-out effort and ensure that these terror factories are not only closed but their leaders and perpetrators of terror should be brought to justice. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Madrasas in Pakistan are serving as terror factories of Afghanistan

Barely 15 days after the seize of Intercontinental hotel in Kabul, another deadly blast shook the city where an explosives-laden ambulance blew itself up in a busy street of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan which was considered a heavenly city a few decades back.

&nbsp;

Both the attacks were a handiwork of Taliban, a strong militia group considered extremely close to the leadership of Pakistan. The shadows of Mr Trump&rsquo;s decision on withholding the US Aid to Pakistan cannot be ruled out in these attacks.

&nbsp;

But there is another deadly group opening up slowly in Afghanistan. The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL of ISIS) in Khorasan. ISIS is not behind Taliban in brutality. On Wednesday, 24th January 2018, they executed a deadly attack on Jalalabad at Nangarhar on the office of a British Aid Agency &ldquo;Save the Children&rdquo;, killing 4 people and injured several dozens.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the war-torn country, both the groups are fighting to get more and more territory as well as supporters. Both are major terrorist groups but there are serious differences among them. &nbsp;

While Taliban is a group of terrorists comprising of Madarsa students and their teachers which were trained and armed by Pakistan ISI, the ISIS is a full-fledged army which can fight even small conventional wars.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In Afghanistan, Taliban is a mix of various ethnic and tribal groups and, currently, going through a bad phase of disarray, infighting and leadership crisis. They have been badly hammered by the Coalition forces, as well as Afghan Army, and have lost about 10000 of their fighters in the last two decades or so. But ironically, they have been able to sustain well despite of these aspects. They have killed an equal number of Coalition and Afghan Soldiers and are able to control more than 45% of the Afghanistan Territory. This is more than the area under Taliban control when America started Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As far as religious alienation is concerned, Taliban strictly follows the Deobandi school of Sunni Islam while the ISIS is a strong Salafi group. There are major ideological differences too. Contrary to the ISIS, Taliban primarily rules as per tribal customs and traditions made by the people. Whereas ISIS has only one aim, the imposition of Shariyat in totality.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The primary aim of Taliban is to establish their rule over Afghan territory irrespective of religious issues. The ISIS, however, has only one aim: to establish the Islamic rule under the Caliphate, encompassing the entire Muslim community or Ummah in the territory. They are much more organised, brutal and fearless.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Since its arrival in Afghanistan in 2015, the group has killed over 700 people and injured more than 1600. That&rsquo;s an alarming figure. They calculated their move and started active operations only after the US backed forces decided to withdraw after declaring an end to Operation Enduring Freedom in 2014. Exactly the way they did in Iraq.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

ISIS has another major advantage and that is related to their defeat in Iraq and Syria. A sizeable population of ISIS fighters is now returning because of the group losing grounds in Iraq and Syria. A large number of them are from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uighurs from China and there cannot be a better territory for them to operate than Afghanistan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

On top of this, many Taliban commanders are defecting and joining the ISIS. The Khorasan Region ISIS, which was initially started by a group of just the 70 people who moved from Iraq to create the force in Afghanistan in 2014, now boasts of several thousand within just 3 years. Surprisingly, the major stronghold of the ISIS in Afghanistan is Nangarhar province which connects the country with Pakistan through the Khyber Pass.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

So, what is the future of the country now? A nation, which is witnessing the worst form of terrorism sponsored by its neighbours, will it ever be able to come out of the dark shadows? Will the citizen of this country ever live a normal life? They have been suffering badly in the past because of inter group fighting.&nbsp; Initially, it was the US backed coalition to fight Soviet forces, then it was fighting with AL- Qaeda and then with Taliban and now it seems to be ISIS. But one factor is common to all and that is active support from the Pakistan Government and its ISI.

&nbsp;

I would feel that there are only two ways- firstly to isolate the country from any kind of ISI or Pakistani influence and, secondly, to come down heavily on the terrorist groups existing within the territory of the country.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Most importantly, Afghan leaders must understand as to who can help them really in the world. Who are the friends and who are the foes? It will of mutual benefit if India and Afghanistan decide to help each other out to end the scourge of terrorism from the region.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

ISIS is more organised, brutal and fearless than Taliban

Barely 15 days after the seize of Intercontinental hotel in Kabul, another deadly blast shook the city where an explosives-laden ambulance blew itself up in a busy street of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan which was considered a heavenly city a few decades back. Both the attacks were a handiwork of Taliban, a strong militia group considered extremely close to the leadership of Pakistan. The shadows of Mr Trump’s decision on withholding the US Aid to Pakistan cannot be ruled out in these attacks. But there is another deadly group opening up slowly in Afghanistan. The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL of ISIS) in Khorasan. ISIS is not behind Taliban in brutality. On Wednesday, 24th January 2018, they executed a deadly attack on Jalalabad at Nangarhar on the office of a British Aid Agency “Save the Children”, killing 4 people and injured several dozens. In the war-torn country, both the groups are fighting to get more and more territory as well as supporters. Both are major terrorist groups but there are serious differences among them. While Taliban is a group of terrorists comprising of Madarsa students and their teachers which were trained and armed by Pakistan ISI, the ISIS is a full-fledged army which can fight even small conventional wars. In Afghanistan, Taliban is a mix of various ethnic and tribal groups and, currently, going through a bad phase of disarray, infighting and leadership crisis. They have been badly hammered by the Coalition forces, as well as Afghan Army, and have lost about 10000 of their fighters in the last two decades or so. But ironically, they have been able to sustain well despite of these aspects. They have killed an equal number of Coalition and Afghan Soldiers and are able to control more than 45% of the Afghanistan Territory. This is more than the area under Taliban control when America started Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001. As far as religious alienation is concerned, Taliban strictly follows the Deobandi school of Sunni Islam while the ISIS is a strong Salafi group. There are major ideological differences too. Contrary to the ISIS, Taliban primarily rules as per tribal customs and traditions made by the people. Whereas ISIS has only one aim, the imposition of Shariyat in totality. The primary aim of Taliban is to establish their rule over Afghan territory irrespective of religious issues. The ISIS, however, has only one aim: to establish the Islamic rule under the Caliphate, encompassing the entire Muslim community or Ummah in the territory. They are much more organised, brutal and fearless. Since its arrival in Afghanistan in 2015, the group has killed over 700 people and injured more than 1600. That’s an alarming figure. They calculated their move and started active operations only after the US backed forces decided to withdraw after declaring an end to Operation Enduring Freedom in 2014. Exactly the way they did in Iraq. ISIS has another major advantage and that is related to their defeat in Iraq and Syria. A sizeable population of ISIS fighters is now returning because of the group losing grounds in Iraq and Syria. A large number of them are from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uighurs from China and there cannot be a better territory for them to operate than Afghanistan. On top of this, many Taliban commanders are defecting and joining the ISIS. The Khorasan Region ISIS, which was initially started by a group of just the 70 people who moved from Iraq to create the force in Afghanistan in 2014, now boasts of several thousand within just 3 years. Surprisingly, the major stronghold of the ISIS in Afghanistan is Nangarhar province which connects the country with Pakistan through the Khyber Pass. So, what is the future of the country now? A nation, which is witnessing the worst form of terrorism sponsored by its neighbours, will it ever be able to come out of the dark shadows? Will the citizen of this country ever live a normal life? They have been suffering badly in the past because of inter group fighting. Initially, it was the US backed coalition to fight Soviet forces, then it was fighting with AL- Qaeda and then with Taliban and now it seems to be ISIS. But one factor is common to all and that is active support from the Pakistan Government and its ISI. I would feel that there are only two ways- firstly to isolate the country from any kind of ISI or Pakistani influence and, secondly, to come down heavily on the terrorist groups existing within the territory of the country. Most importantly, Afghan leaders must understand as to who can help them really in the world. Who are the friends and who are the foes? It will of mutual benefit if India and Afghanistan decide to help each other out to end the scourge of terrorism from the region. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: India should consider ISIS to be more deadly than Taliban

At least four militants attacked an army outpost near one of Afghanistan&rsquo;s main military academies on Monday, a defence ministry official said.

The attack in the western outskirts of the capital, Kabul, came two days after an ambulance bomb in the centre of the city killed more than 100 people and just over a week after another attack on the Hotel Intercontinental killed more than 20.

Security forces have killed three terrorists and arrested one so far. The battle continues against what appears to be one remaining attacker. Afghanistan&#39;s Ministry of Defence has said 10 personnel of the Afghan National Army have been injured in the attack.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Security forces in the area around Marshal Fahim Military University in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> after gunfire and explosions were heard there, one of the terrorists arrested by security forces. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/d7hjhgMmek">pic.twitter.com/d7hjhgMmek</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/957832684750819329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Both of those attacks were claimed by the Taliban.

Ministry of Defence officials said the militants attacked the outpost near the well-defended Marshal Fahim military academy just before dawn.

One of the attackers blew himself up, one had been killed and two were still fighting. One soldier had been killed and three were wounded, said one official, who declined to be identified.

Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said three soldiers had been wounded and the clash was still going on.

Earlier, resident Mohammad Ehsan said he heard a series of explosions coming from the area beginning at around 5 a.m. (0030 GMT) and lasting for at least an hour.

Smaller blasts could still be heard at less frequent intervals.

In October, a suicide attacker rammed a car full of explosives into a bus carrying cadets from the defence university, which is home to one of Afghanistan&rsquo;s main officer training schools, killing 15 of them.

Ministry of Defence officials said the militants attacked the outpost near the well-defended Marshal Fahim military academy just before dawn

At least four militants attacked an army outpost near one of Afghanistan’s main military academies on Monday, a defence ministry official said. The attack in the western outskirts of the capital, Kabul, came two days after an ambulance bomb in the centre of the city killed more than 100 people and just over a week after another attack on the Hotel Intercontinental killed more than 20. Security forces have killed three terrorists and arrested one so far. The battle continues against what appears to be one remaining attacker. Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence has said 10 personnel of the Afghan National Army have been injured in the attack. Security forces in the area around Marshal Fahim Military University in #Kabul after gunfire and explosions were heard there, one of the terrorists arrested by security forces. #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/d7hjhgMmek — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2018 × Both of those attacks were claimed by the Taliban. Ministry of Defence officials said the militants attacked the outpost near the well-defended Marshal Fahim military academy just before dawn. One of the attackers blew himself up, one had been killed and two were still fighting. One soldier had been killed and three were wounded, said one official, who declined to be identified. Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said three soldiers had been wounded and the clash was still going on. Earlier, resident Mohammad Ehsan said he heard a series of explosions coming from the area beginning at around 5 a.m. (0030 GMT) and lasting for at least an hour. Smaller blasts could still be heard at less frequent intervals. In October, a suicide attacker rammed a car full of explosives into a bus carrying cadets from the defence university, which is home to one of Afghanistan’s main officer training schools, killing 15 of them.

Attack on military university in Kabul: 3 terrorists killed, 1 arrested

The Marshal Fahim Military University in the Afghan capital of Kabul has come under attack on Monday morning with a series of explosions and heavy gunfire heard at the compound, according to local media.

Law enforcement agencies responded to multiple reports of loud explosions at Marshal Fahim Military University.

Marshal Fahim Military University is located in Charrahe Qmbar and is the main educational institution for army cadets in Afghanistan.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Security forces in the area around Marshal Fahim Military University in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> after gunfire and explosions were heard there, one of the terrorists arrested by security forces. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/d7hjhgMmek">pic.twitter.com/d7hjhgMmek</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/957832684750819329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Marshal Fahim National Defence University houses three important military educational and training facilities - National Military Academy of Afghanistan (NMAA), the Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA), and the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academy.

The attack was launched at about 5 am, TOLO News reports.

According to a source inside the camp explosions and gunfire can be heard coming from the direction of the entrance.&nbsp;

Afghan security forces responding to the incident have reportedly blocked off all roads in the area. There are so far no official reports of fatalities or injuries.

Marshal Fahim Military Academy was the target of an attack last October when a suicide bombing killed 15 Afghan Army cadets as they were leaving the academy.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.&nbsp;

It comes days after the deadliest bombing for months hit Kabul when an ambulance packed with explosives killed at least 100 people.

The capital city with a population of nearly 5 million has been hit by series of terror attacks in the past years.

Reports emerging of a rocket attack on Marshal Fahim military academy

The Marshal Fahim Military University in the Afghan capital of Kabul has come under attack on Monday morning with a series of explosions and heavy gunfire heard at the compound, according to local media. Law enforcement agencies responded to multiple reports of loud explosions at Marshal Fahim Military University. Marshal Fahim Military University is located in Charrahe Qmbar and is the main educational institution for army cadets in Afghanistan. Security forces in the area around Marshal Fahim Military University in #Kabul after gunfire and explosions were heard there, one of the terrorists arrested by security forces. #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/d7hjhgMmek — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2018 × Marshal Fahim National Defence University houses three important military educational and training facilities - National Military Academy of Afghanistan (NMAA), the Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA), and the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academy. The attack was launched at about 5 am, TOLO News reports. According to a source inside the camp explosions and gunfire can be heard coming from the direction of the entrance. Afghan security forces responding to the incident have reportedly blocked off all roads in the area. There are so far no official reports of fatalities or injuries. Marshal Fahim Military Academy was the target of an attack last October when a suicide bombing killed 15 Afghan Army cadets as they were leaving the academy. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. It comes days after the deadliest bombing for months hit Kabul when an ambulance packed with explosives killed at least 100 people. The capital city with a population of nearly 5 million has been hit by series of terror attacks in the past years.

Terrorists attack Kabul military academy; gunbattle underway

Gunmen launched a pre-dawn attack on a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gunfire-and-explosions-at-marshal-fahim-military-university-in-kabul-31031" target="_blank"> military academy in Kabul </a>on Monday, security officials said,&nbsp;in an ongoing assault that marks the latest violence to strike the Afghan capital.&nbsp;

Some of the attackers at the Marshal Fahim Military Academy have been killed, an Afghan security source said, in the third major attack in the city in just over a week.&nbsp;

At least four attackers were still involved in an intense gun battle with security forces, the source said, adding the gunmen had not managed to enter the heavily fortified academy.

Three soldiers have been wounded, defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said.

&quot;One bomber detonated himself and the rest of the attackers are resisting. They are under siege by our forces,&quot; Waziri added.

Witnesses said they heard several explosions and gunfire at around 5:00 am at the academy on the outskirts of Kabul where high-ranking military officers are trained.&nbsp;

A reporter at the scene said he could &quot;hear explosions&quot;. Security forces have swarmed the area and blocked the road leading to the academy.&nbsp;

An officer inside the academy&#39;s compound said he heard an explosion followed by an exchange of gunfire.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid confirmed that there had been rocket and gunfire.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the raid, which comes days after a Taliban suicide attacker driving an explosives-packed ambulance blew up in a crowded area of the city, killing and wounding hundreds.&nbsp;

At least 103 people were killed and 235 wounded in Saturday&#39;s lunchtime attack -- one of the worst bombings in the city in recent years -- which was followed by a national day of mourning in the war-weary country.

The government has blamed the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network, which Afghan and Western officials suspect of involvement in at least some of the recent attacks in the capital.&nbsp;

Monday&#39;s raid came as both the insurgents and the Islamic State group have escalated their attacks on Kabul, turning it into one of the deadliest places in Afghanistan for civilians.

On January 20, Taliban insurgents stormed Kabul&#39;s landmark Intercontinental hotel and killed at least 25 people, the majority foreigners.

But there is still confusion over the true toll from that attack with conflicting figures given by officials and Afghan media reporting higher numbers

Kabul is on high alert as the city braces for further attacks. Security warnings sent to foreigners in recent days said IS militants were planning to attack supermarkets, hotels and shops frequented by foreigners.&nbsp;

Some of the attackers at the Marshal Fahim Military Academy have been killed, an Afghan security source said, in the third major attack in the city in just over a week

Gunmen launched a pre-dawn attack on a military academy in Kabul on Monday, security officials said, in an ongoing assault that marks the latest violence to strike the Afghan capital. Some of the attackers at the Marshal Fahim Military Academy have been killed, an Afghan security source said, in the third major attack in the city in just over a week. At least four attackers were still involved in an intense gun battle with security forces, the source said, adding the gunmen had not managed to enter the heavily fortified academy. Three soldiers have been wounded, defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said. "One bomber detonated himself and the rest of the attackers are resisting. They are under siege by our forces," Waziri added. Witnesses said they heard several explosions and gunfire at around 5:00 am at the academy on the outskirts of Kabul where high-ranking military officers are trained. A reporter at the scene said he could "hear explosions". Security forces have swarmed the area and blocked the road leading to the academy. An officer inside the academy's compound said he heard an explosion followed by an exchange of gunfire. Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid confirmed that there had been rocket and gunfire. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the raid, which comes days after a Taliban suicide attacker driving an explosives-packed ambulance blew up in a crowded area of the city, killing and wounding hundreds. At least 103 people were killed and 235 wounded in Saturday's lunchtime attack -- one of the worst bombings in the city in recent years -- which was followed by a national day of mourning in the war-weary country. The government has blamed the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network, which Afghan and Western officials suspect of involvement in at least some of the recent attacks in the capital. Monday's raid came as both the insurgents and the Islamic State group have escalated their attacks on Kabul, turning it into one of the deadliest places in Afghanistan for civilians. On January 20, Taliban insurgents stormed Kabul's landmark Intercontinental hotel and killed at least 25 people, the majority foreigners. But there is still confusion over the true toll from that attack with conflicting figures given by officials and Afghan media reporting higher numbers Kabul is on high alert as the city braces for further attacks. Security warnings sent to foreigners in recent days said IS militants were planning to attack supermarkets, hotels and shops frequented by foreigners.

Gunmen attack Kabul military academy: Officials

India today strongly condemned the &quot;cowardly&quot; suicide terror attack at a cultural centre in Kabul and said it is committed to extending all possible support to Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism.

More than 40 people were killed in the terror strike at the Shiite cultural centre near a media outlet in the Afghanistan capital yesterday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that India backs all efforts to bring stability and security to Afghanistan and remains steadfast in its solidarity with the government and the people of Afghanistan at this difficult time.

India strongly condemned the &quot;cowardly suicide terror attack&quot; at a media news agency and the cultural centre in which more than 40 innocent lives were lost and many injured, it said.

India is committed to extending all possible support in their fight against the menace of terrorism and efforts to bring peace, stability and security in the country,&nbsp;it added.

The ministry also extended condolences to the families of the victims of the dastardly attack.&nbsp;

India said it is committed to extending all possible support to Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism

India today strongly condemned the "cowardly" suicide terror attack at a cultural centre in Kabul and said it is committed to extending all possible support to Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism. More than 40 people were killed in the terror strike at the Shiite cultural centre near a media outlet in the Afghanistan capital yesterday. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that India backs all efforts to bring stability and security to Afghanistan and remains steadfast in its solidarity with the government and the people of Afghanistan at this difficult time. India strongly condemned the "cowardly suicide terror attack" at a media news agency and the cultural centre in which more than 40 innocent lives were lost and many injured, it said. India is committed to extending all possible support in their fight against the menace of terrorism and efforts to bring peace, stability and security in the country, it added. The ministry also extended condolences to the families of the victims of the dastardly attack.

India condemns 'cowardly' Kabul terror attack

According to fresh reports, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-blasts-islamic-state-group-claims-responsibility-27958">attack at Tebyan Social-Cultural activities centre in Kabul</a> has claimed 41 lives so far.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Attack at Tebyan Social-Cultural activities center in Kabul claimed 41 lives and injured 84 people, says spokesman for Public Health Ministry: Afghanistan media
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946340760290344960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Close to 84 people have been injured, spokesman for Public Health Ministry of Afghanistan told media.&nbsp;

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack earlier today.

IS&#39;s online statement noted that the group targeted the centre with &quot;three bombs followed by a suicide,&quot; noted an AFP report.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A spokesman for Public Health Ministry of Afghanistan told media today

According to fresh reports, the attack at Tebyan Social-Cultural activities centre in Kabul has claimed 41 lives so far. #UPDATE Attack at Tebyan Social-Cultural activities center in Kabul claimed 41 lives and injured 84 people, says spokesman for Public Health Ministry: Afghanistan media — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2017 × Close to 84 people have been injured, spokesman for Public Health Ministry of Afghanistan told media. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack earlier today. IS's online statement noted that the group targeted the centre with "three bombs followed by a suicide," noted an AFP report.

Kabul attack: Death toll rises to 41, 84 injured

A rocket struck an Indian diplomatic compound in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Tuesday, police said, as representatives of about two dozen international delegations met a kilometre or so away to discuss efforts to end violence.

Sirens and warnings of &quot;incoming&quot; missiles sounded in a number of embassies, followed by a dull thump as the rocket exploded.

Police said no one was injured in the blast, which struck a tennis court, a few blocks away from where the meeting was held.

Notoriously inaccurate, rockets are an occasion fired into the city, often towards the fortified downtown area that houses not only the Indian embassy, but a number of other foreign delegations, the headquarters of the international military mission, and Afghan government ministries.

On May 31, a huge truck bomb detonated outside gates leading to the fortified area, killing more than 150 Afghans and wounding hundreds.

That blast caused serious damage to the German embassy, and lighter damage to the Indian and other embassies nearby.

A bomb attack on the Indian embassy in 2008 killed more than 40 people.

(Reuters)

Police said no one was injured in the blast, which struck a tennis court

A rocket struck an Indian diplomatic compound in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Tuesday, police said, as representatives of about two dozen international delegations met a kilometre or so away to discuss efforts to end violence. Sirens and warnings of "incoming" missiles sounded in a number of embassies, followed by a dull thump as the rocket exploded. Police said no one was injured in the blast, which struck a tennis court, a few blocks away from where the meeting was held. Notoriously inaccurate, rockets are an occasion fired into the city, often towards the fortified downtown area that houses not only the Indian embassy, but a number of other foreign delegations, the headquarters of the international military mission, and Afghan government ministries. On May 31, a huge truck bomb detonated outside gates leading to the fortified area, killing more than 150 Afghans and wounding hundreds. That blast caused serious damage to the German embassy, and lighter damage to the Indian and other embassies nearby. A bomb attack on the Indian embassy in 2008 killed more than 40 people. (Reuters)

Rocket hits Indian embassy area in Kabul, no casualties

Streets in the centre of the Afghan capital Kabul were closed on Saturday as authorities tried to prevent a repeat of a demonstration that degenerated into clashes between protesters and police and left four people dead.

A rally against the government on Friday following this week&#39;s devastating truck bomb attack in Kabul saw hours of angry confrontation between protesters and police, who fired into the air to drive back crowds trying to cross security cordons and reach the presidential palace.

At least four people were killed and 15 wounded in the gunfire, drawing condemnation from human rights group Amnesty International and leading the United Nations envoy in&nbsp;Afghanistan to appeal for calm.

A small group of protesters remained near the blast site in the centre of town, sheltering from the sun in open tents.

But otherwise security authorities in Kabul banned protests and demonstrations, citing the risk of attacks on large gatherings of people.

Although Saturday is a normal working day in&nbsp;Afghanistan, large parts of the city were blocked off, with armed checkpoints set up and armoured vehicles patrolling the streets.

The unrest has heaped pressure on the government of President Ashraf Ghani which has faced increasing public anger over its inability to ensure security in the capital following a string of high profile suicide attacks.

Wednesday&#39;s truck bomb, which killed more than 80 people and wounded some 460, was one of the worst since the U.

IS.-led campaign to oust the Taliban in 2001 but in other respects it scarcely differed from a long series of previous attacks.

In the first three months of the year at least 715 civilians were killed, after almost 3,500 in 2016, the deadliest year on record for Afghan civilians.

(Reuters)

Four people died on Friday in an anti-government rally following this week's devastating truck bomb attack in the city

Streets in the centre of the Afghan capital Kabul were closed on Saturday as authorities tried to prevent a repeat of a demonstration that degenerated into clashes between protesters and police and left four people dead. A rally against the government on Friday following this week's devastating truck bomb attack in Kabul saw hours of angry confrontation between protesters and police, who fired into the air to drive back crowds trying to cross security cordons and reach the presidential palace. At least four people were killed and 15 wounded in the gunfire, drawing condemnation from human rights group Amnesty International and leading the United Nations envoy in Afghanistan to appeal for calm. A small group of protesters remained near the blast site in the centre of town, sheltering from the sun in open tents. But otherwise security authorities in Kabul banned protests and demonstrations, citing the risk of attacks on large gatherings of people. Although Saturday is a normal working day in Afghanistan, large parts of the city were blocked off, with armed checkpoints set up and armoured vehicles patrolling the streets. The unrest has heaped pressure on the government of President Ashraf Ghani which has faced increasing public anger over its inability to ensure security in the capital following a string of high profile suicide attacks. Wednesday's truck bomb, which killed more than 80 people and wounded some 460, was one of the worst since the U. IS.-led campaign to oust the Taliban in 2001 but in other respects it scarcely differed from a long series of previous attacks. In the first three months of the year at least 715 civilians were killed, after almost 3,500 in 2016, the deadliest year on record for Afghan civilians. (Reuters)

Afghanistan: Kabul on lock down after protesters clash with police

A day after a suicide car bomb attack in Kabul, another suicide attack has killed one killed person&nbsp;and injured five others near Jalalabad airport in eastern Afghanistan, media reports said.

Reports said it was car bomb attack.

The attack took place on Jalalabad-Torkham highway, a busy road that connects Jalalabad to Peshawar.

Developing...

(WION)

The blast killed one person and injured five others, media reports said

A day after a suicide car bomb attack in Kabul, another suicide attack has killed one killed person and injured five others near Jalalabad airport in eastern Afghanistan, media reports said. Reports said it was car bomb attack. The attack took place on Jalalabad-Torkham highway, a busy road that connects Jalalabad to Peshawar. Developing... (WION)

Suicide blast near Jalalabad airport in eastern Afghanistan, 1 person killed

Gunmen have attacked an international guest house in Kabul, killing a German woman and an Afghan guard, the interior ministry said on Sunday.

A Finnish woman is missing and presumed to have been kidnapped in the raid late Saturday, officials added.

The guest house was run by a Swedish NGO Operation Mercy, whose director Scott Breslin told local news agency TT that the organisation is holding a crisis meeting.

&quot;A Finnish lady was kidnapped from police district (three) last night at 11.30. A German lady and an Afghan guard were killed,&quot; interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said on Twitter.

A Finnish foreign ministry spokeswoman confirmed to AFP that a Finnish citizen has been kidnapped in Kabul.

&quot;We can confirm that we know about this but we are not giving details at the moment. The only thing we can say is it is not known who the kidnappers are,&quot; said spokeswoman Karoliina Romanoff.

Operation Mercy&#39;s Breslin told TT in a brief statement: &quot;We know that she&#39;s missing, we will send out a press release later.&quot;

The attack highlights growing insecurity in Afghanistan, which is in the grip of an insurgency waged by the Taliban and other groups.

The kidnapping of foreigners has been on the rise, with criminal gangs staging abductions for ransom or handing the victims over to militant groups.

In August last year gunmen wearing military uniforms kidnapped two professors of the American University of Afghanistan in the heart of Kabul.

The two, American Kevin King and Australian Timothy Weekes, appeared in a Taliban hostage video that surfaced in January, the first apparent proof that they were alive. 
 
(AFP)

A German woman and an Afghan guard were killed in the attack, the interior ministry said

Gunmen have attacked an international guest house in Kabul, killing a German woman and an Afghan guard, the interior ministry said on Sunday. A Finnish woman is missing and presumed to have been kidnapped in the raid late Saturday, officials added. The guest house was run by a Swedish NGO Operation Mercy, whose director Scott Breslin told local news agency TT that the organisation is holding a crisis meeting. "A Finnish lady was kidnapped from police district (three) last night at 11.30. A German lady and an Afghan guard were killed," interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said on Twitter. A Finnish foreign ministry spokeswoman confirmed to AFP that a Finnish citizen has been kidnapped in Kabul. "We can confirm that we know about this but we are not giving details at the moment. The only thing we can say is it is not known who the kidnappers are," said spokeswoman Karoliina Romanoff. Operation Mercy's Breslin told TT in a brief statement: "We know that she's missing, we will send out a press release later." The attack highlights growing insecurity in Afghanistan, which is in the grip of an insurgency waged by the Taliban and other groups. The kidnapping of foreigners has been on the rise, with criminal gangs staging abductions for ransom or handing the victims over to militant groups. In August last year gunmen wearing military uniforms kidnapped two professors of the American University of Afghanistan in the heart of Kabul. The two, American Kevin King and Australian Timothy Weekes, appeared in a Taliban hostage video that surfaced in January, the first apparent proof that they were alive. (AFP)

Afghanistan: Two killed as gunmen storm foreign guest house in Kabul

An Afghan official says at least 10 people have been killed in two explosions in the eastern province of Paktia. 
 
Naqib Ahmad Atal, spokesman for the provincial governor, says five members of one family died when their vehicle struck a hidden roadside bomb. He says another five people were killed when their tractor hit a similar device an hour later today afternoon. 
 
Both incidents happened in Chamkani district.&nbsp;Atal blamed Taliban fighters who are active in the area and regularly seed the roads with bombs. The Taliban use such terrorising tactics to intimidate local residents. 
 
The United Nations says the Taliban are responsible for the vast majority of civilians killed and wounded in the war. The world body has said that 1,601 died in the first half of 2016.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

Five people died when their vehicle struck a hidden roadside bomb. Another five died when their tractor hit a similar device an hour later

An Afghan official says at least 10 people have been killed in two explosions in the eastern province of Paktia. Naqib Ahmad Atal, spokesman for the provincial governor, says five members of one family died when their vehicle struck a hidden roadside bomb. He says another five people were killed when their tractor hit a similar device an hour later today afternoon. Both incidents happened in Chamkani district. Atal blamed Taliban fighters who are active in the area and regularly seed the roads with bombs. The Taliban use such terrorising tactics to intimidate local residents. The United Nations says the Taliban are responsible for the vast majority of civilians killed and wounded in the war. The world body has said that 1,601 died in the first half of 2016. (PTI)

10 civilians killed by roadside bombs: Afghan official

Suicide bombers hit a large demonstration by members of Afghanistan&#39;s Hazara minority in Kabul today, killing at least 80&nbsp;people and wounding at least 231, officials said. 
 
Graphic television footage from the site of the blasts showed many dead bodies lying on the bloodied road, close to where thousands of Hazara had been demonstrating over the route of a planned multimillion dollar power line. 
 
The Afghan public&nbsp;health ministry says&nbsp;at least 80&nbsp;dead and 231&nbsp;wounded had been taken to nearby hospitals, but the numbers may change. It was not immediately clear how many bombs were involved in the attack, but an eyewitness WION spoke to claims he heard three distinct blasts. 
 
Afghan President condemns attack&nbsp; 
 
Thousands of demonstrators had gathered to demand that a multi-million-dollar power line pass through their electricity-starved province of Bamiyan, one of the most deprived areas of Afghanistan with a large Hazara population. 
 
In a statement, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was &quot;deeply saddened&quot; by the carnage, adding that the casualties included security officials. 
 
&quot;Peaceful protest is the right of every citizen, but opportunist terrorists infiltrated the crowds and carried out the attack, killing and injuring a number of citizens including some security forces.&quot; 
 
&quot;The horrific attack on a group of peaceful protesters in Kabul demonstrates the utter disregard that armed groups have for human life,&quot; Amnesty International further said&nbsp;in a statement. 
 
&quot;Such attacks are a reminder that the conflict in Afghanistan is not winding down, as some believe, but escalating, with consequences for the human rights situation in the country that should alarm us all,&quot; Ghani said. 
 
Pakistan condemns blasts, expresses deep grief 
 
Pakistan&#39;s&nbsp;Foreign Office (FO) on Sunday said&nbsp;in a statement that &quot;Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist acts in Kabul&quot;. 
 
&quot;The government and the people of Pakistan extend their sincere condolences and profound sympathies to the families of the bereaved people and convey their earnest prayers and wishes for early recovery of those injured in this heinous act of terrorism,&quot; it said.? 
 
The protest march was largely peaceful before the explosion struck as the demonstrators sought to march on the presidential palace, waving flags and chanting slogans such as &quot;death to discrimination&quot;. 
 
Emergency vehicles were at the site and wounded were being carried away. 
 
Much of the city centre had been sealed off with stacks of shipping containers and other obstacles as the march began earlier today, and security was tight with helicopters patrolling overhead. 
 
Islamic&nbsp;State&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;claimed the&nbsp;responsibility for the blasts, which came some three weeks after a suicide bomber killed dozens of people in an attack on newly graduated police cadets that was claimed by the Taliban. 
 
Hazaras have long suffered discrimination&nbsp; 
 
Rereouting of&nbsp;500 kV transmission line from Turkmenistan to Kabul&nbsp;through two provinces with large Hazara populations, government says would cost millions and delay the badly needed project by years. 
 
The Persian-speaking Hazara, a mainly Shia group estimated to make up about 9 per cent of the population, are Afghanistan&#39;s third-largest minority but they have long suffered discrimination. Thousands were killed under Taliban rule. 
 
The protest by a group whose leaders include members of the national unity government had put pressure on President Ashraf Ghani, who has faced growing opposition from both inside and outside the government. 
 
It also risked exacerbating ethnic tensions with other groups and provinces the government says would have to wait up to three years for power if the route were changed. 
 
The transmission line, intended to provide secure electricity to 10 provinces is part of the so-called TUTAP project backed by the Asia Development Bank, linking energy-rich states of Central Asia with Afghanistan and Pakistan. 
 
Hazaras say they want the line to come through Bamyan and Wardak provinces, west of Kabul, where many Hazaras live, to ensure their power supply.&nbsp;The government says the project already guarantees ample power to the two provinces and denies it disadvantages Hazara people. 
 
Under current plans, due to be implemented by 2018, the line will pass from a converter station in the northern town of Pul-e Khumri to Kabul through the mountainous Salang pass. 
 
An earlier plan foresaw a longer route from Pul-e Khumri through Bamyan and Wardak, but this option was dropped.&nbsp; 
 
Eyewitness talks to WION&nbsp;

A&nbsp;demonstrator&nbsp;Ejaz Malikzada&nbsp;spoke to WION over the phone after the incident and confirmed that the protests were largely peaceful. 
 
He is the one who&nbsp;claimed that at least three explosions rocked the demonstrations.&nbsp;In a series of posts on microblogging site Twitter, he shared some videos capturing the ensuing choas.

&nbsp;

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
Dead and injured bodies in the scene of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/explosion?src=hash">#explosion</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KabulBlast?src=hash">#KabulBlast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kabulprotest?src=hash">#kabulprotest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash">#Kabul</a> <a href="https://t.co/YTLmzxsL7R">pic.twitter.com/YTLmzxsL7R</a>
&mdash; Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) <a href="https://twitter.com/EjazMalikzada/status/756818495116087296">July 23, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://t.co/jxRNrrsLg9">pic.twitter.com/jxRNrrsLg9</a>
&mdash; Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) <a href="https://twitter.com/EjazMalikzada/status/756794660769726465">July 23, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
Scene of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/explosion?src=hash">#explosion</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KabulBlast?src=hash">#KabulBlast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kabulprotest?src=hash">#kabulprotest</a> <a href="https://t.co/wi7sRIOrtG">pic.twitter.com/wi7sRIOrtG</a>
&mdash; Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) <a href="https://twitter.com/EjazMalikzada/status/756818692978204672">July 23, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

 
(Reuters, AFP and WION)&nbsp;

Islamic State claimed responsibility of the blast at the protest site where thousands of minority Hazaras had gathered

Suicide bombers hit a large demonstration by members of Afghanistan's Hazara minority in Kabul today, killing at least 80 people and wounding at least 231, officials said. Graphic television footage from the site of the blasts showed many dead bodies lying on the bloodied road, close to where thousands of Hazara had been demonstrating over the route of a planned multimillion dollar power line. The Afghan public health ministry says at least 80 dead and 231 wounded had been taken to nearby hospitals, but the numbers may change. It was not immediately clear how many bombs were involved in the attack, but an eyewitness WION spoke to claims he heard three distinct blasts. Afghan President condemns attack Thousands of demonstrators had gathered to demand that a multi-million-dollar power line pass through their electricity-starved province of Bamiyan, one of the most deprived areas of Afghanistan with a large Hazara population. In a statement, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was "deeply saddened" by the carnage, adding that the casualties included security officials. "Peaceful protest is the right of every citizen, but opportunist terrorists infiltrated the crowds and carried out the attack, killing and injuring a number of citizens including some security forces." "The horrific attack on a group of peaceful protesters in Kabul demonstrates the utter disregard that armed groups have for human life," Amnesty International further said in a statement. "Such attacks are a reminder that the conflict in Afghanistan is not winding down, as some believe, but escalating, with consequences for the human rights situation in the country that should alarm us all," Ghani said. Pakistan condemns blasts, expresses deep grief Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) on Sunday said in a statement that "Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist acts in Kabul". "The government and the people of Pakistan extend their sincere condolences and profound sympathies to the families of the bereaved people and convey their earnest prayers and wishes for early recovery of those injured in this heinous act of terrorism," it said.? The protest march was largely peaceful before the explosion struck as the demonstrators sought to march on the presidential palace, waving flags and chanting slogans such as "death to discrimination". Emergency vehicles were at the site and wounded were being carried away. Much of the city centre had been sealed off with stacks of shipping containers and other obstacles as the march began earlier today, and security was tight with helicopters patrolling overhead. Islamic State reportedly claimed the responsibility for the blasts, which came some three weeks after a suicide bomber killed dozens of people in an attack on newly graduated police cadets that was claimed by the Taliban. Hazaras have long suffered discrimination Rereouting of 500 kV transmission line from Turkmenistan to Kabul through two provinces with large Hazara populations, government says would cost millions and delay the badly needed project by years. The Persian-speaking Hazara, a mainly Shia group estimated to make up about 9 per cent of the population, are Afghanistan's third-largest minority but they have long suffered discrimination. Thousands were killed under Taliban rule. The protest by a group whose leaders include members of the national unity government had put pressure on President Ashraf Ghani, who has faced growing opposition from both inside and outside the government. It also risked exacerbating ethnic tensions with other groups and provinces the government says would have to wait up to three years for power if the route were changed. The transmission line, intended to provide secure electricity to 10 provinces is part of the so-called TUTAP project backed by the Asia Development Bank, linking energy-rich states of Central Asia with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Hazaras say they want the line to come through Bamyan and Wardak provinces, west of Kabul, where many Hazaras live, to ensure their power supply. The government says the project already guarantees ample power to the two provinces and denies it disadvantages Hazara people. Under current plans, due to be implemented by 2018, the line will pass from a converter station in the northern town of Pul-e Khumri to Kabul through the mountainous Salang pass. An earlier plan foresaw a longer route from Pul-e Khumri through Bamyan and Wardak, but this option was dropped. Eyewitness talks to WION A demonstrator Ejaz Malikzada spoke to WION over the phone after the incident and confirmed that the protests were largely peaceful. He is the one who claimed that at least three explosions rocked the demonstrations. In a series of posts on microblogging site Twitter, he shared some videos capturing the ensuing choas. Dead and injured bodies in the scene of #explosion. #KabulBlast #kabulprotest #Afghanistan #Kabul pic.twitter.com/YTLmzxsL7R — Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) July 23, 2016 pic.twitter.com/jxRNrrsLg9 — Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) July 23, 2016 Scene of the #explosion. #KabulBlast #kabulprotest pic.twitter.com/wi7sRIOrtG — Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) July 23, 2016 (Reuters, AFP and WION)

At least 80 killed, more than 231 injured in suicide bomb attack in Kabul

kabul-attack

Kabul Attack, News on Kabul Attack, stories on Kabul Attack, articles on Kabul Attack, Kabul Attack stories at Wion, Kabul Attack news, Kabul Attack latest news

kabul attack