Daesh, also known as ISIS, has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in Jalalabad, Afghanistan Saturday morning that left over 30 dead and 100 wounded, AFP reported. The bombing, if verified, would be the first major Daesh attack in Afghanistan.
A suicide bomber detonated in front of Kabul Bank in Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province early Saturday morning, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.
Brig. General Fazal Ahmed Sherzad, the police chief in Nangrahar, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the suicide bomber detonated a motorcycle laden with explosives. Mohammad Ayub, an eyewitness, said that many people were gathered near the bank check point when the suicide bomber struck. People rushed to the spot soon after from nearby markets. “Dozens of people were killed and wounded and the ambulances have not reached the spot so far”, he added.
The incident took place during Saturday's busy market, where government workers were waiting to cash their salaries. Ameerzada, a Pajhwok video reporteron the scene, saw the injured and dead shifted in rickshaws and personal cars to the hospital.
An official in the provincial hospital spoke on condition of anonymity saying dozens of injured and casualites were brought to hospital and most of the injured were in critical condition. He feared the death toll could rise. An appeal for blood donations for the injured was made on social media, according to Pajhwok Afghan News.
Another bomb was detonated shortly after, in the Dolki Baba Shrine near the Department of Information and Culture. Mehmood, a helper in the shrine, confirmed that two children were wounded in the blast.
Abdul Basir, another eyewitness, told Pajhwok Afghan News that a bomb was planted ina bicycle and exploded near the municipality and Kabul Bank offices.
The blasts and casualties were confirmed by Col. Lutfullah Zaryab, a senior police officer, and Ahmedzai Abidzai, a Nangrahar governor spokesman.
