NDTV, December 18, 2020

Afghan Blast Kills 15, All Children: Officials

The children had gathered at a home in Ghazni province to recite Koran verses, a regular activity on the Islamic holy day of Friday, when the blast happened.The children had gathered at a home in Ghazni province to recite Koran verses, a regular activity on the Islamic holy day of Friday, when the blast happened

Ghazni: At least 15 children were killed when a motorbike laden with explosives blew up near a religious gathering in eastern Afghanistan on Friday, officials said.

The children had gathered at a home in Ghazni province to recite Koran verses, a regular activity on the Islamic holy day of Friday, when the blast happened.

At least 15 children were killed when a motorbike laden with explosives blew up near a religious gathering in eastern Afghanistan on Friday, officials said.

Violence has surged in Afghanistan in recent months despite the government and the Taliban launching peace talks to end the country's grinding war.

"Unfortunately, as a result of this incident 15 people, all children, were martyred," said Wahedullah Jumazada, spokesman for the province's governor.

Ahmad Khan Seerat, spokesman for the provincial police force, confirmed the blast, which he said was a Taliban attack.

He added that 20 others were wounded, including children.

Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian earlier said the group had gathered to recite the Koran in remote Gilan district, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Ghazni city, the provincial capital.

Taliban and government forces have regularly clashed in the province, where the insurgents control several areas.

Thirty security personnel were killed last month when a suicide car bomber struck an army base near Ghazni city.

The government's talks with the Taliban -- which opened in September in the Qatari capital of Doha -- are currently on a break until early January.

Ghazni: At least 15 children were killed when a motorbike laden with explosives blew up near a religious gathering in eastern Afghanistan on Friday, officials said.

The children had gathered at a home in Ghazni province to recite Koran verses, a regular activity on the Islamic holy day of Friday, when the blast happened.

Violence has surged in Afghanistan in recent months despite the government and the Taliban launching peace talks to end the country's grinding war.

"Unfortunately, as a result of this incident 15 people, all children, were martyred," said Wahedullah Jumazada, spokesman for the province's governor.

Ahmad Khan Seerat, spokesman for the provincial police force, confirmed the blast, which he said was a Taliban attack.

Ghazni police confirmed the blast, and that all those killed were children

He added that 20 others were wounded, including children.

Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian earlier said the group had gathered to recite the Koran in remote Gilan district, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Ghazni city, the provincial capital.

Taliban and government forces have regularly clashed in the province, where the insurgents control several areas.

Thirty security personnel were killed last month when a suicide car bomber struck an army base near Ghazni city.

The government's talks with the Taliban -- which opened in September in the Qatari capital of Doha -- are currently on a break until early January.

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