At least 27 killed in Kabul attack, Abdullah Abdullah escapes unharmed

First big attack on the capital since a troop withdrawal agreement was signed between US and the Taliban

KABUL: At least 27 people were killed when gunmen attacked a ceremony in the Afghan capital Kabul on Friday where a top Afghan political leader, Abdullah Abdullah, was present but escaped unharmed.

"Twenty-seven bodies and 29 wounded transported by ... ambulance so far," Wahidullah Mayar, the health ministry spokesman, told Reuters, adding that the number could increase.

The Taliban said in a statement they were not involved in the attack.

The video of attack when Mohammad Karim Khalili, was giving a speech. pic.twitter.com/EZglGlGiZg

— Tamana Ashna (@tamanaashna) March 6, 2020

“The attack started with a boom, apparently a rocket landed in the area, Abdullah and some other politicians ... escaped the attack unhurt,” Abdullah’s spokesperson, Fraidoon Kwazoon, who was also present, told Reuters by telephone.

The gathering marked the anniversary of the death of Abdul Ali Mazari, an ethnic Hazara leader who was killed in 1995 after being taken prisoner by the Taliban.

Abdullah, runner-up in the last three Afghan presidential elections, each of which he disputed, has served as chief executive of a coalition government since 2014 and is also a former foreign minister.

Broadcaster Tolo News showed live footage of people running for cover as gunfire was heard.

President Ashraf Ghani tweeted that the attack was “a crime against humanity and against the national unity of Afghanistan”.

He added he had telephoned Abdullah, his longtime political rival. Abdullah is contesting an Electoral Commission announcement last month declaring Ghani the winner of September’s presidential election.

Pakistan condemns attack

Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned the terrorist attack at a political rally in Kabul.

“Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Kabul, which resulted in the loss of several precious lives and injuries to many others,” said a press release issued by the Foreign Office.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered in this tragedy.

“We are relieved that the leadership has remained unharmed,” the press release added.

The FO said that Pakistan has consistently supported a negotiated political solution of the Afghan conflict as it is a ‘historic juncture’.

“Pakistan urges all the parties to work together in a constructive spirit for establishing durable peace and stability in Afghanistan,” the press release concluded. 

Several people were killed in a similar attack on the same commemoration last year. Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for that attack.

The United States has been trying to spearhead efforts toward a lasting peace arrangement. Violence decreased during a seven-day hold-down agreement with the Taliban leading up to last Saturday’s deal, though the Taliban has since resumed attacks on Afghan forces.

A senior Western security official said all checkpoints in Kabul were on high alert.

“It’s too early to say but for now we are intensifying security,” the official said.