Explosion targets Afghan president’s rally, 24 killed

At least 24 people were killed in Afghanistan following a bomb attack at an election campaign of President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday, according to local media.

“An explosion occurred midday as President Ghani began speaking at a campaign rally in the city of Charikar, in Parwan province [69 kilometers north of the capital Kabul],” said Kabul-based Tolo news.

At least 30 others were injured, said the report.

Wahida Shahkar, spokesman for the provincial governor, said “the blast was caused by an IED [improvised explosive device] in a security vehicle.”

Meanwhile, Nasrat Rahimi, a spokesman for Interior Ministry, said the blast was caused by a suicide attacker on motorcycle at around 11.40 local time (0710GMT).

The event continued despite the attack, he said on Twitter.

Ghani reportedly escaped the blast unharmed.

No militant group has immediately claimed the responsibility.

Dhaka/AKA