KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — There’s been no claim of responsibility for today’s deadly suicide bomb attack near a busy market and a mosque in eastern Afghanistan.
The attack killed 89 people and wounded dozens of others.
The Taliban issued a statement denying involvement, saying they “strongly condemn attacks on local people.”
A Defense Ministry spokesman says the bomber detonated his vehicle as he drove by the crowded market near the border with Pakistan. A local official says many victims were left buried under rubble after the attack.
The attack underscored Afghanistan’s instability as foreign troops prepare to leave by the end of the year, and as feuding politicians in Kabul work to form a new government.
It was the first major attack since a weekend deal between the two Afghan presidential contenders that will allow an audit of last month’s presidential runoff vote.
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161-c-18-(Patrick Quinn, AP correspondent)-“capital of Sharan”-AP correspondent Patrick Quinn reports a suicide bombing in eastern Afghanistan has left nearly 90 people dead and injured dozens more. (As of this report officials reported 89 deaths and more than 40 wounded.) (15 Jul 2014)
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162-c-12-(Patrick Quinn, AP correspondent)-“candidates still contesting”-AP correspondent Patrick Quinn reports attacks have spiked since controversy erupted over the outcome of the recent voting for president. (15 Jul 2014)
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APPHOTO MAH102: Afghan doctors assist civilians who were wounded when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-packed vehicle near a crowded market and a mosque, in the main hospital in Sharan, capital of Paktika province, Afghanistan, Tuesday, July 15, 2014. An Afghan general said scores of people were killed and over 40 wounded in a bombing in the country’s eastern Paktika province. He said the military is providing helicopters and ambulances to transport the victims to the provincial capital, Sharan. Taliban sent a statement to media denying their involvement in the attack. (AP Photo) (15 Jul 2014)
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