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                      8 Killed in Blast in Afghan Capital

   by VOA News

   Afghan officials say at least eight people were killed and more than
   100 others were wounded in a powerful blast that struck downtown Kabul
   early Friday.

   Sources say the bomb exploded in a heavily populated area near a
   government compound, adding that many women and children were among the
   casualties.

   "I and three of my brothers were at home when a big glass from a window
   broke and crashed on my head," said bomb blast victim Rohullah Jan. "I
   just saw my brothers were fine and then I don't know what happened
   next. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the hospital."

   No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which came
   a day after a suicide truck bomb south of Kabul killed at least six
   people in the Taliban's first major attack since confirmation last week
   of the death of its longtime leader, Mullah Omar.

   At least three police and three civilians were killed in the massive
   blast late Thursday in Puli Alam, the capital of Logar province,
   according to local government officials.  Dozens were also said to be
   wounded.

   Also Thursday, Afghan officials said a military helicopter crashed in
   the southern part of the country, killing 17 soldiers.

   The Russian-built M-17 helicopter went down in the Shinkay district of
   Zabul province, according to local officials.

   Afghanistan's Defense Ministry said technical problems led to the
   crash. Other officials stressed the incident is still under
   investigation.

   The Taliban claimed responsibility, though the claim was questioned
   since it is rare for insurgents to take down a military aircraft.

   The violence comes as the United States prepares to pull out its troops
   from Afghanistan by the end of 2016. The U.S.-led NATO forces already
   declared an end to their combat mission in December and have gradually
   been shifting responsibility for security operations to Afghan forces.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/blast-in-afghan-capital/2905245.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/blast-in-afghan-capital/2905245.html