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Ghani Escapes Election Violence That Killed 24

Ayesha Tanzeem

   ISLAMABAD - Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani escaped an attack on
   his campaign rally in Parwan province that killed 24 people and wounded
   more than 30 others Tuesday.

   The president was about to address the rally when a suicide bomber on a
   motorcycle detonated his explosives near the military facility where
   the gathering was held. Nasrat Rahimi, a spokesman for Afghan Ministry
   of Interior, tweeted that no one inside the building was harmed and the
   rally continued after the incident.

   Qasim Sangeen, the head of Parwan provincial hospital told VOA bodies
   of the dead and wounded had been taken to a provincial hospital.

   This is the first security incident since July 28, the official
   beginning of the election campaign in Afghanistan.

   The Afghan Taliban have taken responsibility for the attack, warning
   people to stay away from rallies and election related gatherings,
   promising to carry out further attacks on election activity.

   "If despite the warnings they go to such meetings and get harmed, it is
   their responsibility," a message from Taliban spokesman Zabiullah
   Mujahid said.

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