Taliban kill 30 police cadets in Kabul

Under new leader, the insurgents have made it clear they will continue attacks on the Western-backed government

KABUL: The Taliban claimed responsibility on Thursday for a twin suicide attack targeting a convoy of buses transporting Afghan police cadets on the western outskirts of Kabul, which Afghanistan's interior ministry said killed 30 and wounded 58.

The bloodshed, which was condemned as a "crime against humanity" by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, comes little over a week after 14 Nepali security guards who were heading to work at the Canadian Embassy were killed in a massive blast that left their minibus spattered with blood.



"The convoy of buses transporting newly graduated police was targeted by two suicide attackers in the limits of Kabul province. As a result 30 police were martyred and 58 more injured," a statement issued by the interior ministry said.

Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesperson for the ministry, said the cadets were returning from a training centre in neighbouring Wardak province and were heading to the capital when targeted on Kabul’s outskirts.

One attacker was on foot, and the other was in an explosive-packed car, he said. The green buses, clearly identifiable as police vehicles, were partially destroyed in the attack, leaving debris strewn across the road.

An AFP reporter said the area had been cordoned off but it appeared that five green police cadet buses had sustained damage, as well as a military Humvee vehicle assigned to escort them.

Twisted metal and glass shards littered the scene as security personnel gathered around the wreckage. The Taliban quickly claimed responsibility for the attacks in a statement.

The attacks were immediately condemned by NATO’s Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan as well as President Ghani.

“While Muslims are busy praying during this holy month of Ramazan, Taliban keep committing reprehensible crimes by killing innocent people and spreading fear and terror,” he said in a statement.  He ordered an inquiry into how the Taliban could mount an apparently carefully planned operation, despite pledges of a security clampdown in Kabul following recent attacks.



“This cruel and complete disregard for human life during the holy month of Ramazan is abhorrent,” the US embassy in Kabul added. Beyond the immediate impact, the attacks cast further doubt on any resumption of peace talks with the Taliban. Even before the death of former leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor in a US drone strike last month, prospects appeared remote after the Taliban refused to join talks sponsored by the United States, China and Pakistan.

Under new leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada the insurgents have made it clear they will continue attacks on the Western-backed government, and maintained their demand for international forces to quit the country.

Pakistan condemns attack

Islamabad also condemned the attack. “The government and the people of Pakistan extend their heartfelt condolences to the brotherly government and people of Afghanistan over the loss of innocent lives. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families and we wish speedy recovery for the injured,” read a statement from the Foreign Office.

“Pakistan reiterates its strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” it further said, adding that Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 1^st, 2016.