Four killed in Taliban attack on Afghan stadium celebration
- The blasts appear to have been caused by explosives planted at a stadium in Lashkar Gah, where nearly 1,000 people were celebrating Farmer’s Day
An attack claimed by the Taliban killed four people and wounded 31 on Saturday during a celebration in the Afghan city of Lashkar Gah.
Afghanistan’s multi-day celebrations to mark its traditional new year have been marred by several attacks, beginning with explosions claimed by Islamic State in the capital of Kabul on Thursday that killed six people and wounded 23.
Saturday’s blasts in the southern provincial capital appeared to have been caused by explosives planted at the stadium, where nearly 1,000 people were celebrating Farmer’s Day.
Helmand provincial governor Mohammad Yasin Khan was knocked over but suffered only superficial injuries, a spokesman said.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility on Twitter for the explosions.
In a video footage, bursts of gunfire can be heard before and after one of the blasts, causing people to flee. A witness said the gunfire came from security personnel.