A file photo of an Afghan army soldier from an improvised explosive devices (IED) school performs a demonstration in Mazar-e-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. PHOTO: REUTERS
A roadside bomb blast on Sunday killed at least 18 civilians, mostly women and children, while they headed to a wedding party in central Afghanistan, provincial officials said.
The victims were travelling in a minibus which was completely destroyed. Taliban militants have denied responsibility for the attack.
“A roadside bomb planted by the enemies of Afghanistan in Andar district of Ghazni province hit a civilian vehicle around 4:30pm,” Mosa Khan Akbarzada, Ghazni provincial governor, told AFP.
“Unfortunately, we have 14 women, three men, and a child on board martyred in this tragic incident,” Akbarzada said.
Deputy Provincial Police Chief Asadullah Insafi confirmed, giving a similar account. He added that five women were taken to hospital.
Roadside bombs have in the past been planted by Taliban militants to target Afghan security forces and Nato troops.
Often they miss the targets and the civilians have to pay the price.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 28th, 2013.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ