Kabul: At least 20 people were killed and dozens others were injured in two bomb blasts that occurred in Kabul’s Qala-e-Nazer area on Wednesday.
The first explosion was a suicide bombing incident that occurred around 6 PM (local time) at the Moalem wrestling club, killing at least four and injuring several others, reported TOLO News.
Police said that the explosives were detonated with the bomber present among the athletes in the club.
The second explosion, a car bombing which killed at least 16 and wounded 65 others, occurred about an hour later. Two TOLO News journalists were among the dead in the second blast.
Journalist Samim Faramarz and cameraman Ramiz Ahmadi were covering the first blast when the second explosion took place, killing both.
Afghanistan’s Presidential Palace condemned the attacks in a statement and labelled it a “crime against humanity.”
“An attack on civilians and media is an attack on the freedom of press and a crime against humanity. President Ghani condemns the terrorist attacks in the strongest possible terms and has directed the responsible officials to do whatever they can to help the families of the victims and those wounded and to launch an investigation into the incident,” the statement read.
Former President Hamid Karzai took to Twitter to condemn the blasts and extend his condolences for the victims.
“I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in #Kabul that inflicted casualties on our people including our brave journalists & athletes. Our ill-wishers must know that our people stand united against their terrorism. I extend my profound sympathies to the victims’ families & friends,” Karzai tweeted.
[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]