At least 50 people have been killed and 83 others wounded in an explosion inside a wedding hall on the airport road in Kabul city center in Afghanistan, according to a report by TOLONews.
The explosion happened at about 6:15 pm local time during a large gathering of people who were marking Prophet Mohammad’s birthday, officials said.
The blast happened at the Uranus Wedding Hall, in the city, according to ministry of public health.
However, the Ministry of interior (MoI) said over 50 people were killed and wounded in the attack.
MoI spokesman Najib Danish was quoted by TN as having said that the blast was reportedly a suicide bombing.
The presidential palace immediately condemned the bombing and said it was a criminal act.
“President Ghani strongly condemns this criminal and Un-Islamic act and said that the terrorist attack on Milad un Nabi ceremony which conveys the message of peace and blessing is an enmity with the Islamic principles and way of life of the prophet (peace be upon him),” presidential palace (ARG) said in a statement.
The UN General Secretary Antonio Gueterres condemned the attack in a tweet.
I strongly condemn today’s deadly attack against civilians in Afghanistan. My heart goes out to all Afghans who have been affected by conflict, trauma and suffering. https://t.co/DydYmEzf3X
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) November 20, 2018
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) extended its deepest condolences on the victims of the attack.
UNAMA said it was outraged by Kabul bombing when communities across Afghanistan were marking a day of special religious significance.
“UNAMA outraged by #Kabul bombing when communities across #Afghanistan are marking day of special religious significance. Credible reports of heavy civilian casualties. UN human rights teams establishing facts. UN family extends deepest condolences to the many families affected,” UNAMA tweeted.
UNAMA outraged by #Kabul bombing when communities across #Afghanistan are marking day of special religious significance. Credible reports of heavy civilian casualties. UN human rights teams establishing facts. UN family extends deepest condolences to the many families affected. pic.twitter.com/dzD1Y6DqWl
— UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) November 20, 2018
The Indian embassy in Kabul also condemned the attack.
“We condemn in the strongest possible words the henious and cowardly terrorist attack in#Kabul today which resulted in the death and injury of scores of innocent Afghans. Perpetrators of these attacks and their supporters must be held accountable by the international community,” Indian embassy tweeted.
We condemn in the strongest possible words the henious and cowardly terrorist attack in #Kabul today which resulted in the death and injury of scores of innocent Afghans.1/3
— India in Afghanistan (@IndianEmbKabul) November 20, 2018
We convey our heart-felt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the early recovery of the injured.
Today’s terrorist attack once again underlines the need for a united global fight against terrorism without discrimination. 2/3
— India in Afghanistan (@IndianEmbKabul) November 20, 2018
Perpetrators of these attacks and their supporters must be held accountable by the international community. 3/3
— India in Afghanistan (@IndianEmbKabul) November 20, 2018
US ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass also condemned the attack, tweeting: “Sickened and deeply saddened by tonight’s terror attack as the Ulema Council marked the Prophet’s Birthday. I extend our condolences to the families and followers of those killed and wounded.”
Sickened and deeply saddened by tonight’s terror attack as the Ulema Council marked the Prophet’s Birthday. I extend our condolences to the families and followers of those killed and wounded.
— John R. Bass (@USAmbKabul) November 20, 2018
The High Peace Council, while condemning the attack, said that the Afghan people would work for peace and stability despite all the challenges they may have to face in this way.
HPC’s statement on today’s deadly attack targeting #Ulema and citizens commemorating Birthday of #Prophet_Mohammad PBUH;
such evil acts will not damage our way and path for peace; Enemies of #peace can not stop Afghan People of their unity for peace. We will struggle for peace. pic.twitter.com/DSdrYaEBgt— High Peace Council (@AfghanistanHPC) November 20, 2018
The council said the enemies conspiracies’ cannot stop peace and stability in the country.
