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Kabul blast: NDS says Pak-based Haqqani network behind attack

by IBNS 31 May 2017, 10:29 pm

Kabul, Jun 1 (IBNS): The Afghanistan national intelligence National Directorate of Security (NDS) has said that Pakistan-based Haqqani network was behind the recent Kabul blast, which accounted for the death of at least 80 people, local Khaama Press reported.

The NDS further said that the attack was carried out with the support of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), the Pakistani military intelligence.

The Afghan Ministry of Interior spokesman Najib Danish was quoted in the media as saying that a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle filled with explosives.

The incident, which took place on Wednesday, was condemned by world leaders.

While the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said that his countrymen will stand together against such 'mindless' acts, slamming the incident, it received condemnation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and American President Donald Trump.

The attack comes at a time when the Islamic fraternity is observing fast in the holy month of Ramadan.

However, the Taliban group, who shares a close tie with the Haqqani network, has refuted the NDS statement.

While condemning the Kabul attack, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that neither the militant group nor the Haqqani network was behind the attack.

Over 350 people were injured in the incident.

Most of the casualties were woman and children, reports said.

While the embassies of India, Japan, Turkey, China and France reported damage, the BBC network reported that one of its drivers was killed, while four journalist sustained injuries.

Meanwhile, Pakistan also received another blow as the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) cancelled the upcoming cricket series, which was to be played by the two neighbours.

Condemning the attack, the ACB said, "By killing innocent and destitute people today, the enemies of Afghanistan’s peace and stability showed that they are not worthy of friendship and will not change their stance against Afghans."

"In light of the findings of security services and calls by the Afghan nation, the ACB hereby cancel all kinds of cricket matches and initial mutual relationship agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board," the statement added.

The governing body further said that they are not willing to form any partnership with a nation that houses terrorists.

"No agreement of friendly matches and mutual relationship agreement is possible with a country where terrorists are housed and provided safe havens," the statement read.

Earlier, on Saturday, another suicide attack killed at least 14 people in Afghanistan's Khost province.

The incident took place after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device near a military camp.