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Suicide Attack on Shi'ite Muslim Center in Kabul Kills at Least 40

by Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD --

   A suicide attack on a building in the Afghan capital housing a Shi'ite
   Muslim cultural center with ties to Iran, has killed and wounded dozens
   of people.

   Nusrat Rahimi, a deputy spokesman at the interior ministry, confirmed
   to VOA that 40 people were killed and 30 more wounded and he expects
   the casualty toll will increase.

   The bomber, witnesses reported, blew himself up near a big meeting in
   the basement of the Tebyan Social and Cultural Center building shortly
   before two planted devices went off back-to-back.

   Mohammad Sabir Nasib, director at a Kabul hospital, told VOA they have
   received at least 11 bodies and 18 "critically" injured people, saying
   the death toll was likely to increase. Women were also among the
   victims, he added.

   The Afghan Voice Agency (AVA), a news organization, is also housed at
   the cultural center. Reuters reports that at least one AVA journalist
   is among those killed.

   There were no immediate claims of responsibility. Previous attacks on
   Shi'ite worship places and processions in Kabul and elsewhere in
   Afghanistan were claimed by Islamic State.

   NATO's Resolute Support mission in a statement condemned the bloodshed.

   "Cultural advancement and freedom of speech will not be deterred. Our
   mutual enemies must know they will not win and the Afghan people will
   not be silenced," said the mission, which comprises mostly American
   troops.

   The Taliban insurgency distanced itself from the attack, saying its
   fighters do not target civilian facilities, especially those housing
   eduction and cultural centers.

   Meanwhile, an overnight bomb blast in the northern province of Balkh
   killed at least six children. The incident took place in the district
   of Dawlatabad. Officials reported the victims found an improvised
   explosive device planted by anti-government militants, and were playing
   with it when it exploded.